Let's be honest; parenting while working is a full plate! Sometimes it feels like carrying a calabash brimming with water, careful not to spill. It’s heavy, but it’s also life‑giving. And when the weight gets too much, I turn to the rhythms of my culture and community to recharge.

Here are a few ways I refill my batteries:

1.  I use the community as my anchor.

In our culture, raising children is never just one person’s job; it’s the village. When I feel drained, I lean on aunties, cousins, or neighbors who step in with laughter, advice, or even a pot of food. That sense of togetherness reminds me I’m not alone.

Often times I have found myself living far from my family due to work. So, I have learnt to create a support system for us from day one of relocating. 

2. Eating meals together.

Sharing a simple meal; is more than nourishment to me. Sitting with family, telling stories, and hearing my child’s giggles around the table fills me with energy. Food is medicine for the body and soul.

3. Music and Dance.

When stress piles up, I let music carry it away, the rhythm reconnects me to joy. Sometimes I dance with my kids in the living room, and their laughter becomes my recharge.

4. Nature and Tradition.

A walk by the ocean breeze in Mombasa, or sitting under a mango tree, grounds me. Nature has always been part of African healing; it slows me down and reminds me of the bigger picture.

5. Storytelling and Reflection

I recharge by telling stories; the same way my elders did around the fire. Sharing folktales with my child not only entertains but also reconnects me to my roots. It’s a reminder that wisdom and joy are passed down through words.

Parenting is demanding, but African culture teaches me that joy and strength come from community, rhythm, and tradition. When I feel weighed down, I don’t just recharge alone; I recharge through the village, the music, the food, and the stories that make life rich. How do you recharge? Let us know in the comments section below please. 
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