Sometimes I forget that my child’s childhood is also my parenthood. It sounds simple, almost obvious, but when I pause and let it sink in, I realize how profound it is. These years are not only his story—they are mine too. While he is learning how to be a child, I am learning how to be a father. We are walking side by side on the same path, each of us shaping the other with every step we take.

Parenthood often gets framed as a list of responsibilities: provide food, keep them safe, teach them manners, make sure they go to school, and guide them toward a future. All of that is true, and all of that is important. But if I only see this journey as responsibility, I miss the beauty that is right in front of me. Because parenthood is not just duty—it is an adventure. It is laughter in the kitchen, muddy shoes by the door, late-night questions that come out of nowhere, and the countless small surprises that no one could have prepared me for.

I didn’t just become a father the day my son was born. I have been becoming a father every day since. Each stage of his childhood has revealed something new about me. When he learned to walk, I learned patience. When he asked his endless “why” questions, I learned curiosity again. When he faced disappointments, I learned the quiet strength of being there without always fixing things. He is growing, and I am growing too. His childhood and my fatherhood are woven together like two melodies in the same song.

Sometimes I look at him playing, so caught up in his world, and I feel like a child again myself. Parenthood gives me a passport back to wonder. It invites me to notice things I might have ignored—like the shape of clouds, the thrill of catching a snowflake, or the magic of a cardboard box that suddenly becomes a spaceship. If I let myself, I can rediscover the joy of living in the present moment, because children are masters of being fully here and now.

Of course, there are difficult days. Days when I am tired, when I feel I have no patience left, when I question if I am doing enough or doing it right. But even in those days, I remind myself: this is not just his childhood, this is also my parenthood. These moments are my life too, and they will not come back once they are gone. The sleepless nights, the endless toys scattered across the floor, the school projects that take over the kitchen table—one day, they will be memories. And when I look back, I don’t want to see only stress and exhaustion. I want to see love, laughter, and presence.

Parenthood is not about standing above our children and showing them the way. It is about walking beside them. Sometimes I lead, sometimes I follow, but most of the time we are simply learning together. He shows me the world through fresh eyes, and I try to offer him the security of knowing he doesn’t walk alone. In the process, I discover parts of myself I never knew were there.

When I think about the years ahead, I know there will be changes. His childhood will pass, and so will this particular chapter of my parenthood. That truth is both bittersweet and beautiful. It reminds me not to hurry through the days, but to live them as fully as I can. To laugh more, to say yes more often, to slow down enough to enjoy the silly moments, the hugs, the stories before bed. Because in the end, his childhood is not separate from my life—it is part of it.

One day he will be grown, and I will look back on these years as some of the most important of my own story. Not because I was perfect, but because I was present. Not because I had all the answers, but because I was willing to walk beside him and learn. His childhood is my parenthood. And that is not just responsibility—it is the greatest adventure of my life.

GK

Unknown's avatar

Published by georgi.kisyov

30 thoughts on “Our Togetherhood”

  1. That describes the wonderful beauty within parents who accept their own growth is intrinsically tied to their child’s. Like a flower that blooms, opens, and passes on its seeds, parents who remain deeply invested in what comes next emerges a sort of immortality. As they navigate the world together, seeing it anew through a child’s eyes, they learn to evolve and adapt –becoming a more complete person in the process. This shared journey transforms simple parent-child relationships into mutually enriching experiences, where both are forever changed by the other.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Hello,
      Thank you so much for these words. You’ve captured exactly what I was trying to express—that our growth as parents is not separate, but woven together with our children’s. I love your image of the flower and its seeds… It’s such a tender way to describe how this journey continues beyond us. I feel the same—walking together changes us both, and that’s the real gift of parenthood. ❤️
      GK

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. This celebration of the parent-child relationship so immersed in love and hope for the future of both was a wonderful read. Thank you.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Hello,
      Thank you so much for sharing this 🌿 It means a lot to hear that my words resonate with a father further along the journey. Your experience is a reminder to me that this bond doesn’t fade—it just grows and evolves with every stage of life.
      Have a wonderful day.
      GK

      Like

      Reply

  5. Beautiful! My late mom told me long ago that you’re only finished parenting when you’re up at the cemetery. She was right. The style and substance of the relationship changes but it never goes away. My two are 35 and 39 and I’m still parenting them albeit not actively. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Hello,
      That’s such a powerful truth your mom shared. ❤️ The role never really ends—it just transforms as our children grow. Thank you for reminding me that parenthood is truly a lifelong journey.
      Have a great day.
      GK

      Like

      Reply

  6. Good description of this time for you both! When the tough changes come with the teenage years and they do come for them all in some fashion, you will have this time to remember. And know, the time will come when he knows even more than now, that you were there and were present. He knows now, but it tends to move aside for the teen/early 20’s, and makes its way back again. I’ve heard it said, children step on your toes when they are young, and your heart when they get older. This is true, but it’s part of our learning to let go and let them grow and learn in their own way as well. Treasure every moment~ Rosie

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Hello my dear friend,
      Thank you, Rosie ❤️ Your words carry so much wisdom. I know those teenage years will bring their own challenges, but I hold on to what you said—being present now is what matters, and those moments will stay with both of us. I’ll treasure this reminder. 🌸
      GK

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Hello,
      I’m so glad this spoke to you 🌿 You’re right—our children don’t just grow, they also help us heal in ways we often don’t expect. Thank you for sharing that beautiful thought.
      GK

      Like

      Reply

  12. Thank you for sharing this! I resonate with this deeply, as it is how I approach my parenthood as well. Raising my daughter has reminded me what it is to be human (or maybe helped me learn) and has been such an amazing gift. And I hope it is the joy and love that she remembers as well. Great post.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Hello,
      Thank you for sharing this with me ❤️ I feel the same—raising a child is both a gift and a reminder of what it truly means to be human. I’m certain your daughter will carry the love and joy with her, because it shines through your words.
      Have a great Friday.
      GK

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Haha, I love that! 😄 Yes, those “Let Mom answer this one” moments definitely happen—and they always make me smile. Even without children, you captured the spirit of parenthood perfectly with that comment. 🌿
      Have a great weekend.
      GK

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  14. This is also very beautiful. I’ve only read two of your essays and am very humbled. You are a great writer. And also a great person.

    “Parenthood is not about standing above our children and showing them the way. It is about walking beside them.” Those two sentences really touched me. I am 73 years old. I grew up at a time when parenting was not what it is today. I wish that my parents had known what you know.

    Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hello,
      Thank you so much for your kind words 🌿 They truly touched me. I deeply appreciate what you shared about your own experience—your reflection reminds me how much we all keep learning, no matter the time or generation. I’m honored that my words resonated with you. ❤️
      Have a great weekend.
      GK

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment