«I won't abandon my children. Never!»

"Being a parent is actually quite simple: You can't let your children down. Never. No matter what they do, you have a duty to stand behind them. As a father, I adhere very strictly to this principle.
However, I realise that my role is becoming less and less «interesting» for the boys and that I have to let them go. I sometimes find that difficult, I am caring and enjoyed the time when they were little. But the older they get, the less they need me. That's good for them and bad for the parents.
We've always spoilt our two sons rotten. My wife was at home with the small children and I worked in the garage. Today they both go to grammar school. Kai, the older one, is currently studying for his A-levels. Yanik will graduate in four years. When they're at home, they're often studying and time together is rare, but nice. I mainly see the kids at the weekend.
So far, I've been able to teach Kai and Yanik that it's worth questioning things. To take an interest in other people and politics. And to think about rich and poor. For me, this also means that they understand why I became a car mechanic: because I like this job. And not because I didn't have enough for an academic title. Neither Kai nor Yanik have a flair for craftsmanship, both are head people.
It makes me proud to see just how firm their opinions have become. We often have intense discussions, which I find stimulating. They let off steam when they play football or badminton. We sometimes do that together too.
My roots are in Sri Lanka. I grew up in a family of teachers with lots of siblings. We were relatively well off, but that wasn't a given. That's why I like to preach to the children to be modest. My father was a bon vivant, my mother was a quiet «chrampferin». I'm more like them. I don't indulge myself that much either, but I try to fulfil my wishes. At the moment, I'm very interested in photography and I'm also taking courses. Yanik thinks that's cool. Sometimes my wife and I sit round the table with Kai and Yanik and make plans for a long trip together. That's one of my biggest dreams. It would be nice if we could realise it. We'll see."

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