Jeridah Andayi reflects on parenting as she celebrates her daughter’s birthday
By Katemarthason Okudo, September 4, 2026Veteran radio presenter Jeridah Andayi has reflected on parenting while celebrating her daughter Norah Zawadi’s birthday, sharing a lesson on helping children appreciate what they have while supporting their interests.
In a heartfelt post she shared on Instagram on Thursday, September 3, 2026, Andayi revealed that her daughter had hoped to receive a new phone for her birthday but did not get the one she wanted.
Andayi explained that as a mother, she could only give her daughter what she had, rather than everything she asked for. However, she said seeing her daughter happy reminded her that parenting is not always about fulfilling every request.
“For her birthday, Norah Zawadi wanted the big phone. She didn’t get that. I’m her mother… she gets what I have, not what she wants,” Andayi wrote.
Supporting her daughter’s interests
Despite not getting the phone she wanted, Andayi said her daughter’s excitement reminded her that children can be supported without giving them everything they ask for. She said Norah has been building her own YouTube channel, creating content and exploring different opportunities as she grows.
According to Andayi, what makes her proud is not the phone her daughter received, but the lessons she is learning along the way. “She’s building her little YouTube channel, creating content, having fun, exploring opportunities and growing,” she said.
The radio presenter added that she was happy to see her daughter learning to create, appreciate what she has, and make something useful from her interests. “I’m proud of her, not because of the phone, but because she’s learning to create, appreciate what she has, and make something out of it,” Andayi added.
Andayi on parenting Gen Z children
The birthday message comes after Andayi previously shared her thoughts on raising Gen Z children. She said many Gen X parents have reached a stage where they no longer spend as much time arguing, convincing or negotiating with their children over every decision.
According to Andayi, parents who are still repeatedly explaining things to their children should consider themselves to be at a different stage of the parenting journey.
She explained that parenting approaches can change as children grow older, with some parents choosing to offer guidance and then allow their children to make their own decisions.
Rather than constantly going back and forth with their children, Andayi said many parents now prefer to advise while allowing their children to learn from their choices.
Andayi is a mother of three children. Her children are Norah Zawadi, Amani and Nathan. The presenter has occasionally shared moments involving her children on social media, offering glimpses into her family life while also discussing her experiences as a parent.