Juliani recently shared insights into his parenting journey, highlighting the contrast between how he raises his son and his own upbringing. As a father to nearly 3-year-old Utheri, whom he shares with author and entrepreneur Lillian Ng’ang’a, he embraces a parenting style that encourages exploration and freedom. This is a stark departure from his own childhood, where engaging in carefree activities like playing in the rain or getting dirty often led to punishment.
With modern parenting shifting towards a gentler and more understanding approach, many parents today strive to break generational cycles and past childhood traumas. For Juliani, this means allowing his son to experience the joy of childhood in ways he never could. He recently posted a heartwarming video of Utheri happily lying in puddles on their rooftop, expressing how much happiness it brought him to witness such moments of pure joy. However, he humorously acknowledged that this level of free play is mostly allowed when he is in charge, as Lillian takes a more structured approach.
He reflected on the disciplinary measures of the past, recalling how certain behaviors would have resulted in a severe punishment during his own childhood. “These kinds of behaviors would have earned us a serious beating back in the day, where a belt and pain became our next of kin,” he remarked. The contrast between past and present parenting styles underscores a broader societal shift, where today’s parents increasingly find fulfillment in simply watching their children enjoy life.
Beyond discipline and play, Juliani has developed a profound bond with his son. He often sees himself reflected in Utheri, marveling at how similar they are. “My little G scares me sometimes. He enjoys his own company—I bet his imagination is off the charts. He’s a miniature me.”
One particularly memorable father-son moment took place on Juliani’s 40th birthday. On that day, it was pouring rain, and he chose to meditate outside in the downpour for half an hour. To his surprise, Utheri joined him, playfully embracing him, and from that moment on, the little one developed a fascination with rain. “When I turned 40, it was raining heavily. I sat outside in a lotus position and meditated under the thunder and heavy rain. Little G came, joined me, hugged me, and since then, whenever it rains, he wants to go outside.”
His experiences highlight how children naturally pick up behaviors from their parents, reinforcing the idea that shared moments shape lifelong memories. For Juliani, his connection with Utheri is something he deeply cherishes. He recognizes that the way he interacts with his son will significantly influence his child’s perception of the world.
Despite the freedom he allows Utheri, he is also aware of the balance needed in co-parenting. With Lillian around, he takes a more measured approach, respecting the structure she brings into their child’s life. But when it’s just the two of them, he fully embraces their shared sense of adventure. “When his mom is around, I behave. But when it’s just the two of us—like the Gs we are—kaende kaende!” he concluded with a playful touch, making it clear that their father-son escapades thrive when Lillian isn’t watching.
His parenting style reflects a shift seen in many modern families, where parents are more intentional about fostering an environment that allows children to grow, explore, and express themselves freely. In contrast to past generations, where strict discipline was the norm, today’s parenting trends lean toward understanding, communication, and positive reinforcement.
The shift is not just about discipline but also about presence. Parents today seek to be more actively involved in their children’s lives, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Juliani’s openness about his journey as a father sheds light on the evolving nature of parenting, where experiences are shared, and lessons are learned together.
At its core, his story is about love, growth, and breaking free from outdated parenting norms. Whether it’s dancing in the rain, lying in puddles, or simply embracing the small joys of life, Juliani and Utheri exemplify the beauty of a father-son bond built on trust, adventure, and mutual understanding.
