Kenyan gospel artist and human rights advocate, Juliani, has shared a poignant reflection on his approach to fatherhood, revealing the stark differences between how he raises his son and how he was raised. The artist, who is the proud father of nearly three-year-old Utheri, a son he shares with author and entrepreneur Lillian Ng’ang’a, emphasized the importance of allowing his child to freely explore the world—a stark contrast to his own childhood experiences.
Growing up, Juliani recalls that playful activities like playing in the rain or getting dirty often led to harsh punishments. He humorously admitted that such innocent moments were met with severe reprimands, recalling how a beating with a belt was the inevitable consequence of such behavior. In contrast, Juliani and Lillian have embraced a more relaxed and gentle parenting approach, encouraging Utheri to engage with his environment in a playful and carefree way.
In a heartwarming video shared on social media, Juliani captured a joyful moment where Utheri could be seen playing in puddles of water on their rooftop. The little one was laughing and enjoying the moment without a care in the world. Juliani expressed his immense joy at seeing his son embrace these carefree experiences, which were not available to him as a child.
However, Juliani also acknowledged that while he’s all for these kinds of joyful moments, his wife, Lillian, is a bit stricter. He jokingly confessed that the playful water fun would only be allowed when he’s in charge of watching their son, as Lillian might not approve of such muddy playtime.
Reflecting on the differences in parenting styles, Juliani noted that today’s parents are striving to break free from generational cycles of harsh discipline and trauma. “But to this generation, seeing your child enjoy the sun and their environment is fulfilling,” Juliani added, emphasizing how modern-day parents are shifting towards creating a nurturing, less restrictive environment for their children to grow and thrive.
