How many parents are ready for the responsibility?
By Pose123
@Pose123 (21635)
Canada
April 27, 2008 2:57pm CST
I've often thought how parenting, probably the most important job that any of us will ever have, comes with almost no instructions. It's true that there are now some classes for expectant parents, if they are willing or able to take advantage of them. Those however mainly teach about how to handle the baby etc. Raising the child, teaching them to be compassionate and caring, to have self respect, as well as respect for others, all of this is thrust upon us with almost no preparation, and usually at a young age. Some are fortunate enough to have parents of their own, who know how to help without seeming to be interfering. This in itself can be a difficult situation and a class for grandparents might not go astray. Grandparents can be a treasure house of knowledge if help can be offered and accepted without problems arising. The parents are the parents, and this must be remembered, and respected at all times. I believe that most parents are doing a good job, despite all of this, but good advise offered discreetly and accepted gracefully can be a blessing to all, especially the child.
2 people like this
5 responses
@alamode (3071)
• United States
28 Apr 08
I was married and gave birth to our first daughter at 16. It was a scary thing, but my parents had taught me what good parents are, and I'd taken care of many other little ones in the family. It was part of being a family member to watch out for each other, no matter your age. We have built that sort of group around us... some related by blood, some not... and those who choose to be hurtful aren't welcome. We help and teach each other... and have loads of fun, as well! It IS possible, even now!
1 person likes this
@sudiptacallingu (10879)
• India
9 May 08
This sounds like the great Indian joing family, Alamode! I know how rewarding the experience can be, both physically and mentally. There is always somebody to help and nobody is over worked. And the best part is that children grow up without any emphasis on the so-called good things of life – designer clothes, supermarket food, latest toys, TV, A.C., foreign holidays and so on. Instead they grew up on healthy doses of wholesome food, home-stitched clothes, family picnics and lots of love from everybody around. There were of course (as you say) hurtful elements, but they were never encouraged. But this tradition, is sadly, disintegrating very fast.
@sudiptacallingu (10879)
• India
9 May 08
Walking the road without any preconceived notion has its own rewards and pitfalls. Grandparents are there to guide us through the rough patches and share our successes. If we can each respect the other as is should be, there would be no confrontation. And yes, the children would be the biggest beneficiary of the deal!
1 person likes this
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
28 Apr 08
Hi Pose123! I agree with you completely. Advice offered discreetly and accepted gracefully can be a blessing. I have no children; however, I am what you call a part time parent. I have my nieces and nephews in my house whenever their parents are away. I welcome them in my house and when they come over, their parents have all these instructions and advices on what to do when this or that happens. I always tell them, "alright, don't worry." Sometimes, I get annoyed but I know they are the parents. Anyway, I do accept all advice and maybe, someday if ever I will still be blessed with a child, then I know now something about it somehow. Just my thoughts dear friend. Take care and have a nice day. 
@kezabelle (2974)
•
27 Apr 08
I think every parent will hit a time in their childs life where they need advice, knowing how to accept it is a huge hurdle to cross. Other people should also realise that generally their opinions are not wanted when it comes to a parents own child, and if it is wanted it will be asked for interfering brings only arguements and misery to everyone. That said this also means you have to realise when to ask for help nothing ever will prepare you for being a parent I suppose we are all learning along with our children
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
28 Apr 08
Hi kezabelle, Thank you for responding. you make a lot of sense, the parent must be in control, but also must be able to ask advice when they really need it. I know that others should not interfer unless asked. Sometimes it's better to ask a friend than to get in-laws involed. Blessings.
1 person likes this
