Looking back as a parent, I can only motivate myself with a pat on the back:
“Fifteen years gone by, and a job well done.” At the same time, there is a reminder on my checklist – “Miles to go yet.”
When I embarked on this journey 15 years ago, little did I know all the dos and don’ts of parenting. Now, as I reflect, I realize that I carried every moment of motherhood with both caution and confidence – sometimes rational, sometimes emotional; sometimes planned, yet many times crossing the bridge as it came.
Waking up at 4 a.m. has become ingrained in my self-discipline, as it was the small yet meaningful act, I could do to send my daughter to school on time with a well-packed lunch and help her begin the day on a positive note. Junk food or outside food was never on the agenda, as I firmly believed that healthy food leads to an attentive and active mind in school.
When COVID-19 brought the gadget challenge, along with my spouse, I made significant efforts in the post-COVID phase to engage my daughter in as many outdoor activities as possible. This indeed helped her overcome and minimize unnecessary gadget distractions.
Encouraging my daughter to speak with elders and relatives back home is something I constantly practice to help her stay connected to her roots and appreciate her extended family bonds. As a working mother, striking a balance has been challenging, but therein lies the inner joy, and with it, a deep sense of achievement.
By sharing anecdotes from my own school life, my daughter learned the invaluable lesson of respect and appreciation for her teachers.
Looking back, the holistic development of my daughter was always on the cards and continues to be my motto. This vision has enabled her to participate in music, debates, sports, volunteering and charity initiatives, while also excelling academically.
Every Ramadan, I chose to enroll her in volunteering initiatives, which taught her the true meaning of sharing and caring. I felt it was important for her to develop an awareness of her role in the larger society and contribute meaningfully to it.
Winning the coveted Sheikh Hamdan Educational Excellence Award in Grade 6 and the Sharjah Educational Excellence Award in Grade 9 was truly a feather in her cap. These achievements were the result of her positively engaged mind, consistent effort, and the unwavering support of her teachers. Indeed, when I look back, the journey feels encouraging and continues to motivate me to move forward with renewed determination.
Lakshmi N (mother of Abarnaa Sai. Grade X Section: A)
