I slept like a baby. I did not hear anything all night.
When I woke up, it was almost 10 o'clock. No one was in the room. I walked slowly and looked around. The woman had left food on the table for me, so I sat down to eat.
Before I finished, the woman came in. She smiled and said, "Good morning, my daughter! Did you sleep well? Did you eat well?"
The morning was thick with fog, and the air was still. It was almost six o'clock, and not a single soul was outside.
The morning after that cold evening at the bus stop, I didn't see him. Truthfully, I was feeling so shy that I didn't even know how to face him!
For almost three days, I found myself quietly avoiding him, hiding whenever I thought he might be nearby. My heart was in such a state of confusion and excitement.
After my vacation ended, I went back home to my normal routine. But even with the distance, he and I talked almost every hour.
We shared everything: "Did you eat?" , "What time do you go to work?" , "Goodnight." We would stay on the phone until I fell asleep. But after a while, the sweet calls began to shift. The questions became different: "Where are you?" , "Why didn't you tell me you were going out?" , "Why didn't you call?" Argument after argument became our new normal.
Reframing Generation Gaps: Raising Kids with Connection & Faith
I have been thinking a lot lately.
This summer, I've had so much quality time to spend with my children. Looking at them, I often reflect on the huge differences between our generation and this new generation.
When we were growing up, we used to talk and spend so much time with our parents. We respected them deeply and helped out wherever needed whether working inside the house or out in the garden. Whatever it was, family came first. I constantly share these memories with my kids so they have a sense of history and know where they come from.
Creating Lasting Habits & Connections
I sometimes catch myself sounding just like my parents, and it brings a smile to my face! But my children truly listen. When I ask them to clean their rooms or help me around the house, they step up. We spend such wonderful time together, and these moments are priceless to me
Sadly, I see so many children today who struggle to listen to their parents. With many parents working long hours, kids are often left with little family time, spending almost all day playing video games and becoming addicted to screens.
In our home, we have a sweet tradition: every evening before bed, we gather to pray. On nights when I am busy, my kids will come to me and say, "Mum, we have to pray! Come on!" It fills my heart with joy to see them lead this tradition, and I pray they pass this same value down to their own children one day.
Being Present as Parents
This is the kind of bond I wish every family could experience. Too often, I see parents living only for themselves, leaving their children with grandparents almost every day. In my view, that isn't fair. Our parents worked so hard to raise us now is their time to rest and relax. I could never ask my mother to look after my kids every single day.
Becoming Our Children's Best Friends
Growing up, there were four of us two girls and two boys. As the eldest, my second-born brother and I were like best friends who shared everything. But the absolute best part of my childhood was that our mother was also our best friend .
That is the greatest gift we can offer our kids today. When we act as their friends rather than just strict authority figures, they won't feel the need to hide anything from us, and we can stay close to their hearts as they grow.
That's what was on my heart for this week! Next time, I will share another life experience. Thank you so much for reading! Please leave a comment below I would love to read your thoughts. Have a wonderful week!
Kidist
I was walking on the side of the road it was very dusty and quiet. It was summer in southern Italy, almost six o'clock in the evening. A gentle breeze was in the air as I walked, holding my towel and phone in my hands. I could hear children playing in the distance. Some were building castles on the sand, while others were swimming with their parents.
This summer, I've had so much quality time to spend with my children. Looking at them, I often reflect on the huge differences between our generation and this new generation.
