I cannot exhaust the roles and responsibilities parents are expected to have for their children or wards. I can, however, attempt to summarize them into nurturing and guidance. I don't want to imagine the late-night cares, or even the baby backing, or the inconveniences parents underwent just to make sure children were satisfied. My mom didn't always finish her meals, and we eagerly looked forward to finishing them for her. Was she really full and didn't have enough space in her stomach to contain the remaining food? Or was she sacrificing for us? Then, they put us in schools, and for me, they even got an after-school tutor for me. Then, could I have paid my tuition myself? Or run the errands of the hospital when admitted? Yet again, not all parents tick the box above yet; there were efforts that time and money cannot pay back.
I stand to be corrected! I know some parents would think they are doing us a favor by supporting our life's endeavors. As much as I want to stick with roles and responsibilities, I am tempted to support the parents who did us favors. Though it was their responsibility to nurture, cater to, and shield us from harm, the fact that they lived up to their responsibilities sounds like a favor that they did for us. I used to wonder why my parents did not pile up wealth for us children. I pass by an area where my dad used to have two plots of land before he sold them. I get hurt whenever I pass by that area. But, come to think of it, the proceeds from the sale of the land didn't go into drinking and winning.
We generally remain unhappy with some of the decisions of our parents. And a few of us have moved so fast as life is leading us that the same parents that nurtured us gradually became a nuisance and hindrance to our perceived progress in life. And again, old age comes with stubbornness and resistance. The old folks just wouldn't want to visit the hospital for a checkup or are slow to react, just as we expected. Or perhaps we hold resentment towards our parents over some decisions in the past, which may even be because they had favorites among siblings. And the list of unhappy decisions could be endless!
Letting go can be hard, but hey, blood is thicker than water. No matter how bitter we may feel, there will always be a part of us that recognizes and yearns for the bond and kinship of parents. Then, just let it go and let forgiveness prevail. This is not necessarily because of our parents (they may regret their actions or not), but because it's good for us to have free minds, which would help us to live healthy.
We, as children, should reciprocate the roles, responsibilities, and favors showered upon us by our parents. In situations where the parents failed in their roles and responsibilities, we should retaliate with a show of love and kindness. Just as parenrs have roles and responsibilities to their children, we have roles to play towards them. Remember, we were babies and toddlers while they were adults? Life is shaped such that the reverse becomes the case: our parents get old and behave like babies while we become adults. This is just the mystery and irony of life. Do two wrongs make a right? Not at all! We should correct the anomalies by exhibiting patience and showing love.
We would also age someday and become like our parents. A few tips may help; they are not necessarily certain but should help.
- live healthy as youths to delay or prevent old age diseases.
- have your kids early, and if possible, have daughters. Daughters are more caring due to their soft and emotional hearts. Hopefully, the husbands will not hold on too tight. Be sure to be done with your children's tuition before retirement.
- own a house or some properties before old age. It will be embarrassing to jump from one rented apartment to another.
- stay physically fit and have your health insurance handy.
- don't expect your children to care for you just because you cared for your parents.
- enjoy life so you don't live with regrets when old age knocks.
Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.
You're right, it's the responsibility of the parents to nurture their children. That's why it's important to be prepared before being a parent because it comes with a lot of responsibilities. And I'm gonna hold to one point here
A blunt truth, but a child raised with love will care for their parents during old age, without being forced.
You're very right. Love is contagious
No matter how parents are but she they own us everything in our life. So, we should also take care of them and be responsible.
You're very right. Thank you