Kenyan gospel musician and activist Juliani recently shared his personal journey of fatherhood, highlighting the stark differences in how he raises his son compared to how he was raised. Juliani, who shares his nearly three-year-old son, Utheri, with his wife, entrepreneur Lillian Ng’ang’a, explained that he encourages his son to embrace exploration and enjoy childhood freely—something that wasn’t always encouraged in his own upbringing.
As a child, Juliani remembers that engaging in simple joys like playing in the rain or getting dirty could lead to harsh consequences. “These types of behaviors got us a World War 3-type beating back in the day,” he recalled, reflecting on the tough discipline he faced as a young boy. However, today’s approach to parenting is quite different. Juliani, along with his wife Lillian, embraces a gentle, more laid-back parenting style that allows their son to enjoy his childhood without the rigid restrictions he grew up with.
Juliani shared a touching moment with his followers on social media, posting a video of Utheri gleefully playing in water puddles on their rooftop. The sight of his son so carefree and full of joy brought Juliani immense happiness, as he reveled in watching Utheri explore the world around him in his own unique way.
Still, Juliani humorously noted that while he supports such joyful play, his wife Lillian would likely be less enthusiastic about their son getting so messy. “When I’m in charge of watching him, it’s fine, but Lillian is more of a stickler about keeping him clean,” Juliani said with a smile.
This reflection is a testament to the evolving mindset of modern parents, who are prioritizing emotional well-being and personal growth over strict discipline. Juliani believes that today’s generation of parents, including himself, is breaking away from the harshness of past practices and fostering environments where children can thrive without fear of punishment.
“It’s fulfilling to see your child enjoy the sun, the rain, and the environment around them,” he said, underscoring the beauty of allowing children to fully experience the wonders of childhood. Juliani’s approach is a refreshing example of how parenting is evolving for the better, focusing on kindness, freedom, and connection.
