“Mummy, I am having scrambled eggs and sausages for breakfast. Do you want some?” Are you wondering what that question has to do with guarding your authenticity? Read on!

That was my daughter, Claire, asking if she should make me breakfast. She is 8 years old. She’s the youngest of my children. Her elder brothers are known for whisking something up in the kitchen every now and again and I guess that challenges her to want to do the same. I have come to learn to appreciate her eagerness and respect her outlooks more. Like her siblings, I allow her explore – under supervision and within healthy boundaries.

“Sure, I’ll be delighted to”, I responded. I saw the jealous look in her father’s eyes. She did too. She was smart enough to ask her daddy if he also wanted scrambled eggs and sausages. Of course he did. In less than fifteen minutes, she had served us both this amazing breakfast. I sat down to eat it with so much pride and gratitude. Pride, for the thoughtfulness and kindness that she was exhibiting. Gratitude, for EVERYTHING – for the gift of family, children, food, health – and soooooo much more.

Everything we do, says something about who we are. Our actions are not separate from our identity. Authenticity relies hugely on self-awareness.

Claire and her brothers are a testament to the fact that different is beautiful. Each one of them have unique traits that often leave me in absolute awe.

As parents and care givers, we must strive to build healthy relationships with the children in our care. The type of foundations we build for them, and the kind of environment we provide for them determines their nurturing. We must develop the ability to recognize and appreciate their uniqueness. Doing this allows them to truly own and appreciate themselves.

Are we warm, sensitive and responsive to them? Do we equip them with the right tools and skills to prepare them for life? Do we protect them from harm and abuse? Children are our greatest treasure. They are the future!

It is children’s day the world over and perhaps for the very first time in a long time, I will not be physically present with my children to make merry with them and dote over them. Good thing, I unabashedly let them know that they mean the world to me, at every instance I get.

Living every moment with intentionality and modeling self-love, allows children to do the same. Having the courage to accept yourself – strengths, weaknesses, quirks, flaws and all, demonstrates authenticity.

At the end of the day, you need to know who you are and be brave enough to love and own it.

You must not trade your authenticity for approval or validation. Guard your authenticity, it is your gift to the world!

More importantly, it is your gift to yourself!

ℍappy ℂhildren’s Day’ ! ❤️