By Osman Blake 
I stumbled across a word the other day—duaction. Yeah, sounds weird, right? I thought it was a typo at first. But apparently, it’s this thing that parents kinda… need in their lives. And honestly? I think I’ve been practicing it all along without even realizing.
So, what is duaction? In simple terms, it’s doing two opposite things at once. Sounds crazy, I know. But in parenting, it actually makes a lot of sense. Like, you need to be firm with your kids but also kind. You need rules but also… freedom. You need to guide them and sometimes let them just figure things out themselves.
Why Duaction Matters
Parenting is messy. Full stop. Some days you’re the “fun parent”—handing out ice cream like you’re Santa. Other days, you’re the strict parent—the one everyone groans about. And honestly? Both are needed. That’s duaction. It’s balancing the two without losing your mind.
If you lean too much on the fun side… kids can run wild. Too strict… and you might end up with tiny rebels plotting against bedtime. Duaction? It’s the secret sauce to surviving, and sometimes even enjoying, this rollercoaster ride called parenthood.
How to Practice Duaction in Real Life
Okay, enough theory. Let’s talk action.
1. Listen… Really Listen
I know, I know—sometimes kids just talk in circles. But pause. Listen. And I mean really listen. They’ll tell you more than you think. Once you get the whole picture, then act. Don’t just jump in with, “No, that’s wrong.”
2. Set Boundaries… Lovingly
Boundaries aren’t the enemy. But saying, “Because I said so” feels like punishment. Instead, try, “I get you want to stay up late… but sleep is important.” You’d be surprised how much better they respond when you explain.
3. Be Consistent… But Flexible
Rules matter. But life happens. Some days, you’ll bend them a little. Maybe homework gets done at 8 pm instead of 7. Maybe you let a treat slide on a stressful day. That’s duaction—structure with room to breathe.
4. Show, Don’t Just Tell
Kids watch everything. Literally. Want them to be honest? Be honest. Want them to be patient? Take a deep breath first when you feel your own frustration rising. And sometimes… they still won’t follow. But that’s okay. Keep at it.
My Duaction Moments
Let me tell you a story. Last week, my kid was begging to play video games before finishing homework. My first instinct? Shut it down. But instead, I tried a little duaction magic. I said, “We’ll do homework together first, then you can have your game time.”
Guess what? It worked. We laughed, did the homework, and then the game was even sweeter. Not perfect—but it worked. And that’s what duaction is: trying to get the best of both worlds without losing your sanity.
Why Duaction Isn’t Just a Parenting Thing
Honestly, duaction works in life too. Work and play. Discipline and fun. Stress and rest. Balancing isn’t easy. But when you practice it with your kids, you kind of teach yourself too.
It’s like… parenting is a mirror. The more patient and flexible you are, the more they absorb it. And sometimes… the more you realize you need to grow as a person.
Wrapping It Up (Kind Of)
Duaction isn’t magic. It won’t fix everything. Some days, you’ll fail. Some days, they’ll test you in ways you never imagined. But it gives you a little framework, a little sanity, a little… hope.
So next time you’re stuck between being the strict parent or the fun one, think duaction. Balance. Flexibility. A sprinkle of empathy. A dash of firmness. And yeah, sometimes… just winging it.
Oh, and if you want to read more about duaction and find some cool parenting tips, check out this resource. Honestly, it’s been super helpful on my chaotic days.
Remember, parenting is messy. But with a little duaction, it can also be… kind of magical.
Magazine Dreams