When my son was born ten years ago, I thought I was prepared. I’d read a few articles, sought advice from elders, restructured the house, and even recalibrated my mind for the arrival of our newborn. In fact, I was so convinced we’d have a daughter that we had stocked up on a range of pink clothes. But fate had other plans — and gifted us a wonderful boy instead. Ten years later, I realized that nothing could have prepared me for the beautiful chaos that is fatherhood.
The early years were simple — sleepless nights, countless diaper changes, and a constant soundtrack of lullabies. My only real goal back then was to keep him smiling or sleeping. Fast forward to today — the goal remains the same, though achieving it has become far more challenging. I still must ensure he doesn’t go to bed grumpy, and he still insists that one of us stays beside him until he falls asleep.
Raising a 10-year-old is like living with a pint-sized lawyer who questions every rule but still wants you around at bedtime. I’ve learned patience, negotiation, and that sometimes silence isn’t golden — it’s suspicious. Yet every “Dad, I need your help,” every laugh, and every tight bear hug makes all the madness worth it.
Fatherhood has taught me more than any book or job ever could. It’s a daily reminder that love doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to show up. I know these years of innocence will fade soon, but until then, my son and I will keep sharing our happy space — building memories that will last us a lifetime.
Mr. Ritesh Kumar Sen
Parent of Rishaan Sen-5K
