Memoirs of a Mum: “How Does It Feel Watching Your Kids Grow?” – Chinwe Kalu

How do you feel when you look at your kids and they look nothing like the babies you once held and nursed? When I was having them, I used to pray that I would be the shortest person in the house when they are all grown. It is now my reality. In fact, my baby girl said to me, ‘Mummy I’m taller than you’ and I smiled. As if she knew what I was writing about.

I see miracles in them as I recall vivid memories of their growing years. I can’t believe I’m having to teach my son to be generous and kind to his female friends now. He’s at that stage where he’s discovering his masculinity. The exciting part for him is that the girls are also noticing.

I remember when my oldest daughter had sex education at school. Why did they need to do that? It was not in the plan for the term -boys in school were sneaking to watch porn on their PCs in school. How do kids manage to stay straight with all that influence around them? That increases my responsibilities as a mum. I have to frequently dish out the right information to guide them.

My girls know not to watch anything with boys and be alone with them in a room. They know they must always look out for themselves. They are all curvy in all the right places with great skin. I constantly pray to God to keep them.

I’m amazed at my middle girl who sounds like the ‘aunty’ of the house. She’s constantly pointing out issues in the family. Very quiet and deep. She’s taller than me. So conscious of her femininity and used to feel a little awkward about it. She’s way too curvy for her age. It hit her like a whirlwind. She thought she had a problem because puberty came early for her but she’s fine now after a lot of talking, and I’m loving her through all of it.

They are great kids. One thing comes to mind though- great kids come at a price. I used to constantly speak the word of God to them. Our morning rides to school was our devotion time. Every little time we spent together was used to tell stories that would bring instruction. I watch their movies with them. We analyze the movies together and agree on what is good as well as the trash. Now, I marvel at their choices and the way they manage themselves with their peers.

As a mum, you ultimately get used to the way they grow. I have one wish though, that their growth patterns will also be reflected in their sense of responsibility. Not so at all. As big as they all are, they still need me to do the most ridiculous things. “Mummy, my shoes, hairpiece, body lotion, deodorant.” The list is endless.

Being a mum is so much fun. When they look so big but still turn around and need you for advice or help, they look so cute! When they hug and say ‘I love you,’ they melt my heart and make my world tick.