Kenyan Mum Emotional in TikTok Video as Kids Fail to Recognise Her after 2 Years in Saudi
- A heart-wrenching TikTok video has captured the moment a Kenyan woman, returning home from Saudi Arabia after two years, was unrecognised by her own children
- Georgina Wades had hoped for a tearful reunion, but was instead met with blank stares as the kids walked past her like a stranger
- The video has sparked intense debate online about parental connection, migration, and digital communication
- Social media users emphasised the importance of maintaining a connection with kids even while away
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A Kenyan woman working in Saudi Arabia has stirred emotions online after sharing a heartbreaking video of her surprise return home.
Source: TikTok
She hoped for a heartwarming reunion, only to be met with blank stares from her children who failed to recognise her.
Georgina ignored by her kids
Georgina Wades, who had been away for two years, documented her emotional return in a TikTok video that has since gone viral.
The footage shows her walking down a dusty murram road toward a school where her two children study.
As the children walked toward her on their way home, they passed her without any sign of recognition.
"POV. When you walk towards your kids after two years and they can't even recognise you. Look at my girl looking behind and she can't even tell it's me," she captioned the clip.
Social media reactions
The video sparked a flurry of reactions from TikTok users, many expressing concern, empathy, and criticism.
Many emphasised the importance of maintaining emotional connection with children even while away, especially in the digital age.
Sthe Tha Nkabinde commented:
"Not recognising your mother after not seeing her for two years is wild. Video call your kids at least."
Charlie Poochon, expressed frustration at the approach Wades used:
"After two years and you experiment to see if they recognise you instead of running to them and showing them your desire, love, and how much you missed them more than oxygen."
Source: TikTok
User @254cuppie:
"Kwani mnaishi aje na tuko digital? So watoto hawakufahamu because you never call them on video, right? Nunulieni watu home simu."
serahesther
"Me here wondering how my girls will react after staying away for four years."
Queen Zara:
"Next time, do lots of video calls with them and communicate more. I have felt bad when they bypassed you."
Her video has reignited conversation about the emotional toll of labour migration, especially for domestic workers in the Gulf.
Maintaining a long-distance relationship with kids
In some unique circumstances, parents are often compelled to spend some time away from their children.
The circumstances may include job opportunities, divorce or separation or unforeseen travel demands, which may see one or both parents spend time away from the children.
During such a time, it is important to ensure that your children know that you are still around to parent and care for them deeply despite the distance.
Information shared indicates that, firstly, every long-distance parent should embrace technology to keep the conversation going with the children.
Schedule daily calls with your children and interact with them as you would if you were at home. Ask about their day, their experiences, school and any other important aspects of their lives.
These calls should be consistent, to ensure that the children have stability and comfort of knowing that you will reach out.
While abroad, sharing fun moments between the two of you may also be an important bonding experience.
Let the children send you fun moments from their day, and also do the same.
It is also critical as a long-distance parent to plan visits during holidays or birthdays to make them feel special and loved.
Nairobi mum reunites with kids after 2 years
In an earlier story, a Kenyan woman identified as Charity Maina was warmly received by her younger son after being away for two years.
The mother of two felt the genuine love from her son, who embraced her and refused to let her go after not seeing her for a long while.
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Charity described her elder son’s reaction as the best feeling ever.
She felt genuine love from her mother, her boys, and her siblings, who flocked to her home at their mother’s request.
Touched by the warm reception, she eventually took both boys out for a celebratory meal.
Racheal Nyaguthie, HoD Human Interest, added details of maintaining a long-distance relationship with children.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
