“One day he came to me crying and said, “Please take care of me also. I am your baby too.” It was a desperate plea. From a young toddler. I felt terrible. I was so overwhelmed with the birth of my girl that I was not spending time with my first son. I finally realized why my son was whiny and angry. These behaviours were new to him. He had always been a gentle and friendly kid. I realized that he is seeking my attention. He must have felt replaced by his sister. The lap that was his was now occupied by someone else. The kisses and hugs had been reduced. The playtime he spent with his mother was no longer there. I had no way of realizing that by focusing entirely on my newborn I was depriving my son of the love and affection he needed on a daily basis. We all know that we love our children but something we need to do visibly so that our children can see and feel. What might be trivial for us might be of great significance to our child. So today, I spend as much time with my son as I do with my daughter. He is hungry for love like he is hungry for food and by providing both I have seen he is happier these days. From these parenting sessions, I realized that hunger for love in children is as strong as hunger for food. Love, warmth and comfort are essential elements for a child’s mental development. Although there are times when he complains, I explain to him that the newborn cannot take care of herself and that I have to be there. He listens and at times even tries to help me. He is bonding with his sister too and that makes me happy. It is difficult raising children but the changes that parenthood brings in us is incomparable. It makes us more human. It gives us a purpose in life.”

Sita B, Mahottari

#BecomingAParent Save the Children in Nepal