Celebrate the Individuality of your Child

We were traveling in Norway from Oslo to Tromsø. It was a short flight, and we had two cabin crew members serving on this European flight. One of the cabin crew looked very beautiful, and as an audiologist who works with ears, I noticed she had a beautifully shaped ear, almost as if it were carved. I felt like talking to her, so I mentioned that she had a beautiful ear shape. She thanked me and started laughing. I asked where she was from, and she said she was born and raised in Iceland and loves her country. I told her I work with ears and had never seen an ear quite like hers. She promptly replied, "Somehow, I'm lucky; I have good genes." Her reply made me think deeply. I saw the Northern Lights, which people in Iceland and Norway believe bring blessings from ancestors, and now this girl spoke about her genes, giving them so much value. We are all born with unique genes from our ancestors, which include blessings from our gods, so why do we worry? Why don’t we appreciate our individual identity?

We are all born into this universe with individual identities, created by God. He has given us life as humans and cares for us as a parent cares for their child. He provides us with food, air, and water, allowing us to survive through the gifts of nature. To Him, we are all the same, yet as humans with brains, we have begun using our intelligence in ways that make us forget who we are. Concepts like comparison, jealousy, competition, and the desire to be compatible with others have taken root in our minds, bodies, and souls, overshadowing the essentials of food, air, and water. I don’t understand why today’s parents feel that every child should be the same, should excel in every area, and should possess every material advantage in life. God has given us everything we need equally, though we may look and act differently. Are we doing the same to our children that was done to us? Why do we have such high expectations of them?

Earlier this year, I went on a safari, where I saw many animals that gave me such a positive energy and taught me that survival is possible even with minimal resources. God created both animals and humans, sending us to this world, but we were given brains that tend to overthink, while these animals survive peacefully. Similarly, in Norway, I went whale watching and saw many whales gliding through the sea with ease. Despite the cold, their ability to navigate was amazing. They moved together as a family, and though the sea was vast and many boats were nearby, the male and female whales protected their young so skillfully. The larger whales would create water sprays, clearing space around them, and they would sing to attract their loved ones.

Animals, birds, and other creatures take wonderful care of their young, while also allowing them the independence to grow. As parents, some of us provide so much care that our children struggle to think for themselves, while others are too absorbed in their own world, expecting their kids to grow independently. Some parents continue to feed their children for so long that, when they suddenly stop, the children don’t know how to cope or even how to choose their food. We don’t always treat our children equally. If one child is intelligent and another struggles, or if one is stronger and another weaker, mentally or physically, we often fail to accept these differences. In a time when mental health issues are on the rise, it’s essential that we create a strong foundation from birth, helping our children grow as individuals to reach their highest potential.

We are currently traveling with both our daughters. They share our genes but each has a unique level of intelligence and potential. One excels in administration and policymaking, while the other is highly creative, skilled in social media, writing, and storytelling. They both love cooking together, exploring new things, driving, and engaging in various activities. Today's younger generation has so much exposure that they know how to handle themselves; they simply need a strong foundation and the warmth of parental support to navigate the world and reach their full potential.

Sometimes, I feel that as parents, we should truly value the genes we pass on to our children. Just imagine—you are a role model for your kids. If you are confident, they will likely be confident as well. But if you are fearful and expect them to be brave, how can that be possible? If you want your children to respect you and others, you need to demonstrate respect toward everyone around you. Your genes give them beauty and intelligence, but if you want those qualities to be put into action, then you need to model that in your own actions. Being positive and spending time with my two daughters brings joy and fulfillment. Showing them the world through my eyes is rewarding, but seeing the world through their eyes is equally inspiring. This means that, as parents, we need a flexible and balanced approach. We should strive to be like God is to us—patient, understanding, and supportive.

I've learned that emotions, feelings, and the equal contribution of both parents are crucial in a child's growth, especially from watching parents of hearing-impaired children. These parents face unique challenges with their children, and while they may have fewer options, when both work together, they achieve remarkable results. With my own children, who are not hearing-impaired, certain things come naturally because of good exposure. But for parents facing these challenges, each achievement is even more meaningful. I know one family from a middle-class background, where the father is a lawyer, and the mother, though uneducated and from a village, doesn't speak English. They have twins—one deaf and one hearing—and through hard work and unity, they've raised both children beautifully. Both are now excelling in their studies.

The best part of life is the blessing of being a parent. I believe in celebrating every moment of it, as we learn and grow alongside our children. To nurture them well, we must first understand ourselves, becoming individuals who know how to be flexible and balanced—not focusing solely on education but valuing the 20% that is learning and the 80% that is love, emotions, and joy. It’s also about celebrating each child’s unique potential. Today, on Children’s Day, let’s make a change for our children so they can experience the beauty of the universe with God’s blessings. They carry within them the genes passed down from our ancestors; let’s honor that gift and help them see their unique qualities in a positive light.