Where the Children Take Us by Zain Asher

An Excellent Book for Immigrants and Immigrant Parents alike seeking strategies to Raise Outstanding Children Abroad

This is what I do with my 2 Hour commute to Language School most of the time. Head buried in a Book! It is one of the habits I am nurturing as I am currently on a Career Break (or Pause as the case may be) so reading is one of the ways I connect with the world and stay up to date with what is happening around me. This particular Book was my Birthday Gift to myself and it’s arguably almost The Book of the Year for me! Thanks to my able sponsor.

It was extremely refreshing to read Where the Children Take Us By Zain Asher. I had all sorts of emotions as I read the Book. I cried. I laughed and went deep in thought, reflecting about my own journey as an Immigrant, a Woman & Mom wondering how far I’m willing to go to show up not just for myself but for my children and the young people that look up to me. I have become an Obiajulu for she is now a Movement!

There is tragedy in this Story but the story IS NOT a tragedy. It is a beautifully written, gripping account of a woman who refused to bow down to the pressures of life that sent her and her children in many different directions. “Her head was Bloody” but it remained “Unbowed“…as Invictus once said. 

I recommend this Book to every  Parent. Particularly if you are an immigrant abroad, Wondering how to navigate life in a new terrain and ensure your children don’t lose it. 

Some of the strategies you might find useful

1. The Shipping Out Strategy – I intend to use this when necessary on my parenting journey. I shall Ship in and out until all my children get it right. You need to read the Book to understand better.
2. The 8 Hour Study Plan – A creative way to teach your kids to stay ahead of everything! Please read the Book to find out more..
3. The Uplifters – May we be them, May we find them
4. The Obiajulu Strategy – that never say never spirit that fights for your children to make sure they get the best will suddenly jump on you. The name for me carries a new meaning.
In my case, I have become an Obiajulu.

As I walked into the Parents Teachers Meeting of my 2 year old who enjoys being hugged, carried and held but doesn’t yet have the German efficiency of putting on his shoes by himself and walking on his own (“Laufen” as we say in Deutsch) like the other German kids in his class, I became an Obiajulu. I set my face like a flint. Resolute, determined to prove every word from the Early Years Intervention Specialist wrong. As I sat there, I devised a strategy immediately. Already thinking of steps I can take in addition to reading to him every night, singing Hop Little Bunnies, going for walks in the parks and observing the beauty of birds that he has become so fascinated with… I shut down the reports and I’m getting to work.

I became an Obiajulu in that instant. Fiercely defending my son and immediately thinking of what needs to be done.

Oh yes. He will become independent but not so much that he forgets what a hug means. Not so much that if he wants to be carried I won’t carry him – I will because he is 2 right now ! Because when he is 21, I won’t be able to carry the hefty good looking man that he would have become. I will hug him and cuddle him for as long as I can. They grow so fast and I intend to soak it all in before he tells me I’m “invading his privacy” lol.

My son also comes from a long line of achievers and outstanding people not just because his Father is a First Class Brain Engineer or that his God Father works in a Multinational or that his  GodMother is a Management Consultant at one of the Top 5 Firms,  his Uncle heads a thriving Oil & Gas Company or that one of his Aunty is Lawyer, another a Budding Food Entrepreneur, or that he has  Uncles and Aunties from Canada to Australia, it that he is “God’s child. God’s Gift to me & the Bible tells me that Every Good and Perfect Gift comes from above from the Father of Heavenly Lights who doesn’t change like shifting shadows. He is God’s Gift.

He is also a Nigerian!  and Naija no dey carry last. We “be like garri” wherever you put us all we do is RISE! Just like Chiwetel and Arinze his  Kindred Nigerian Uncles in the Book – Where the Children take Us. There is a fighting, never give up Spirit that distinguishes us Nigerians. I believe in the positive way it is being used by millions all around the world thriving against all odds. We shall Rise!

Obiajulu. Thank you for fighting. You have given immigrant mom’s like me wings to fly. Eyes to see the possibility of the future. 

It is possible! You are now a movement. 

Zain Asher, thank you for telling your story and the story of your Obiajulu. This Nigerian Mom navigating the terrain of living in Germany says thank you. 

Available where Books are Sold!