Article for International Day for Families by Renu Paryani

“There is a Chinese proverb, which says that to understand that your parents love you, you must raise children yourself. My children, five and two, love to talk. I spend most of my day listening to their stories or demands filled with imagination and amusing ideas.

“Saturday is the day that all four of us spend most of the time together, starting with breakfast.

“The kids bathe with their father, whereas I collect the towels, clothes and creams. Both kids enjoy water games with their father during their showers.

“Lunchtime is fun as typical Sindhi food is cooked. We teach them the names of vegetables in Hindi, Sindhi, Bengali and English.

“We also spend some time talking. The kids have major explanations to give, filled with buts, what ifs and whys. We listen and answer their questions. Reading books and watching movies is also a part of our family day activities.

“We make sure that we call our parents on Saturday evenings and the kids take pleasure in telling them about their new experiences.

“Going to bed is the delicate part that day since they are still in a holiday mood. A short fairy tale with the night-lights puts an end to the day.”