Whew. Can we take a moment to just breathe? 2024 came at us like an African parent during exam season—fast, furious, and with no time to explain. For me, it was a year of challenges, growth, and plenty wahala. But as I sit here typing this, cup of tea in hand, I can’t help but feel a little pride. We made it. You made it. And most importantly, our kids survived another year of “Do you think I’m your mate?” parenting.
Now, as we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the lessons of the past year, share my hopes for what’s ahead, and—drumroll, please—announce something big: I’m starting a podcast. Yes, me. The same person who prefers the safety of my keyboard and screen over hearing my own voice on playback. But more on that later. Let’s talk about 2024 first.
2024: Lessons, Laughs, and Plenty of Learning
Tradition vs Modernity – Finding the Balance
This year, many of us grappled with the eternal struggle: how do we raise children who understand their roots without feeling buried by them? In “My Journey from Obedience to Autonomy,” I shared my experience of unlearning some of the more rigid, do-as-I-say parenting styles I grew up with. Spoiler: It wasn’t easy. There were moments when I wanted to default to “my way or the highway,” mode, but instead, I tried listening. Actually listening.
And you know what? It worked. Well, sometimes. Other times, it led to eye rolls and “Mum, you’re being extra.” But hey, progress is progress.
Mental Health: The Conversations We Needed
If 2024 taught us one thing, it’s this: our young boys are carrying more than we often realise. Between the unspoken pressure to “man up,” school stress, and the constant noise of social media, they’re navigating a world that rarely gives them permission to feel.
In “Breaking the Silence” I talked about a tough but necessary conversation we need to have with our boys and breaking down walls we didn’t even know we’d built.
We often tell our sons to be strong, to be brave, to “stop crying and act like a man.” But 2024 reminded me that true strength lies in showing them that it’s okay to struggle—and that we’re here to help them through it.
The truth is, mental health is a family affair, and it’s time we made space for our boys to unpack what they’re holding inside. Because if we don’t, who will?
Managing the Frenemy
Ah, technology. The thing that makes life easier and harder all at once. From navigating social media pitfalls to setting screen time limits, 2024 was the year I realised that fighting technology is a losing battle. Instead, I focused on teaching my kids how to use it responsibly. Was it perfect? Nope. Did I catch myself sneaking a peek at their TikTok once or twice? Absolutely.
The True MVP
One thing that stood out in 2024 was the power of community. Whether it was through the stories shared on this platform, WhatsApp parenting groups, or those aunties who always know just what to say, it became clear that we’re stronger together.
The African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” isn’t just a saying—it’s a lifeline.
