How To Raise A Confident Kid In Abnormal Circumstances?

have been raising Adi as a single parent for the past three years, ever since we decided to part ways. It hasn't been easy, but I've managed to make it work. Adi is a happy and well-adjusted kid, despite the challenges we've faced.

Being a single parent is still viewed as somewhat taboo in our society, and I've faced my share of judgment and criticism. People often ask me how I do it as if it's some sort of miracle. The truth is, it's just a matter of making it work, no matter what.

After we left the city and our home for many years, we decided to start fresh in a small town. It was a big adjustment for both of us, but it was the best thing for our family. Yes, we do not have a place we call our home and we move around a lot, but that doesn't mean we are any less of a family.

We may not have much, but we have each other and that's all that matters. I am grateful for the love and support of my family and friends, who have helped us through some tough times.

It hasn't been easy, but I've managed to make it work. Adi is a happy and well-adjusted kid, despite the challenges we've faced.

Sometimes schools and society, in general, can be unkind to children who don't have a "normal" family structure. It's one of the things I worry about the most as Adi gets older. But I know that no matter what, I will always be there for him and we will face whatever challenges come our way together.

But who gets to decide between "normal" and "abnormal." In my community, "normal" is what most people are. If 80% of people are right-handed, then lefties are "abnormal." If the average weight is 150 pounds, then someone who weighs 200 pounds is considered overweight or obese, which is seen as "abnormal."

Most people grow to a height of between 5 and 6 feet, so anyone outside of that range is considered "abnormal."

Not only this If you are a child raised by a single parent, you are also considered "abnormal." If your parents are divorced, you are considered "abnormal." If you have a parent with a disability, you are considered "abnormal."

Abnormal is also anything that falls outside of the nuclear family structure. So if you are raised by grandparents, or have two moms or two dads, you are considered "abnormal."

The thing is, what is considered "normal" changes over time. In the past, divorce was considered abnormal. Now, it's much more common and accepted. The same goes for single parenting, interracial couples, and LGBTQ+ families.

What this means is that what is considered "abnormal" is really just anything that is outside of the mainstream. And the mainstream is constantly changing.

Or if you are someone with no permanent house to live in, imagine if someone who chooses to travel and learn new cultures for a year is considered "abnormal." They don't have a traditional job or home, but they are living their dream.

If you do not belong to a particular religion, you may be considered "abnormal." In some parts of the world, being an atheist is seen as abnormal. But in others, it's perfectly normal.

I come from a city where festivals are very common, schools celebrate festivals too and if you are not part of the celebration you are considered abnormal.

Once a teacher gave a comment to Adi that he is not fluent in his mother tongue, I was surprised that just because he lives in Chennai he should know Tamil, when I am a North Indian living in Chennai for the past 5 years and I don't know Tamil. That's when I realized that being "normal" is just a matter of perspective.

We have moved, lived in different cultures, and spoken different languages and I've had to learn to be okay with not being "normal." And it's been liberating. I no longer worry about fitting into a box that society has created. I am free to be myself and my family is free to be ourselves.

We cannot relate to a particular thing because we have not experienced it and that is okay.

So what does this all mean for raising kids in abnormal circumstances?

It means that there is no one right way to do it. It means that you have to be okay with not being "normal." And it means that you have to be okay with your kids not being "normal."

Because in the end, what is "normal" doesn't really matter. All that matters is that your family is happy and healthy and that you are all there for each other, no matter what life throws your way.

These circumstances make us, this has helped us shape our identity, our thoughts, and our opinions. Embrace your abnormal life, it is what makes you, YOU!

I am raising my son with love, care, and understanding. And I hope that he will do the same for his children, no matter what their circumstances may be.

Has society and school ever made you feel incomplete? How did you manage to raise your children with love and understanding in such a way that they don't feel inferior? Let us know in the comments below!

Adi and I have found a way to live, we travel, we learn new cultures, and we speak different languages. Adi doesn't go to a traditional school, he learns what he wants, when he wants. And I am okay with that because I know that he is getting a great education.

I don't go to a typical workplace, I work from home, or from wherever we are in the world. And that's okay because I know that I am doing what I love.

We dream of making a livelihood that can support our dreams and our lifestyle. And I know that we will make it happen because we are passionate and dedicated to our dreams.