LEAVE YOUR CHILD'S HAND

The book "Unposted Letter" deserves to be read by all of us. Mahatria, the author has written many beautiful chapters with which everybody can relate. He has touched some basic issues we all need to fix. But, I found one particular chapter interesting as the idea was new and should be understood by parents who are over protective towards their children.

As a person grows, his definition of respect also changes. For a seven year old child, if you as a parent will not drop him to school, if you won't buy him toys or if you won't go with him to park, he would feel you are not respecting him. He would feel that he is nothing to you as you are not giving your time, your care to him. But, this same treatment does not apply to a seventeen year old child because now, for him respect means something else. If you as a parent will be there for him wherever he goes or if you will spoon feed him, he would feel you are disrespecting him. You are not giving him enough space and freedom to live his own life. For a school going kid, when his parents listen to the entire story of what happened in school is defined as respect but you can't expect an adult to tell you everything about his work. And expecting that is hurtful for you only. All the thoughts like- you are not needed anymore by your child starts seeping in your head.

But, you need to understand that your child needs you, cares about you. The difference is he can't be with you all the time. Maybe it is a bitter truth, but you have to accept it. "You will always be loved as a parent, but you cannot always play the parent." is very well said by Mahatria. So, there is no need to feel insecure. You still reside in your loved one's heart, but now they are bound by much more important responsibilities and duties. Maybe holding your child's hand every time is your care and love for him, but that is not how a grown up child will perceive as. Let them be free, do mistakes and learn from them.

You have played your part when they were young, when they wanted your attention. Now, as a grown up, they want to face the world alone. What's wrong with that? You can always show them the path, but it is not always necessary to walk with them on that path.Always remember, you as a parent will always top the priority list of your child. They respect you and you need to respect them back by giving them their own space.