Parents grow up

Once upon a time parents exercised a great deal of authority over their children. They were told when to get up, what to eat and when not to play.

Once upon a time parents exercised a great deal of authority over their children. They were told when to get up, what to eat and when not to play. The line repeated through the day was, 8220;Why aren8217;t you studying?8221; Children bore this drill without much complaint since they were left with no alternative. Parents used to worry what their children will become tomorrow, forgetting that they were someone today.

With time, parents have matured and kids have grown smarter. Parents have learnt the virtue of expanding their capacity for patience. They now have a more philosophical outlook. Children, too, have learnt how to deal with parents. They have the skills to negotiate deals. They are conscious that in any relationship there will always be some give and take.

I was visiting a friend8217;s home when his six-year-old son asked his mother, 8220;Is it true that the prices of vegetables and fruits have gone up?8221; The mother replied, 8220;Yes, son. It8217;s going up every day!8221; She did not realise that this was a forerunner to a persuasive request for a raise in pocket money!

Today children below the age of ten have become a part of the family8217;s decision-making process. Starting from the day8217;s menu to the selection of movies or even, say, in the purchase of a new car. In the past, if a child had put a general knowledge question to her father, she would invariably have got a 8216;go to bed8217; in response! Today, he will admit he does not know the answer. Surprisingly parents are beginning to learn that children need love, especially when they do not deserve it.

Parents have to be careful what they say in the presence of the child. You never know what inconsistency they are going to catch next. They seldom misquote. In fact they usually repeat word for word what you should not have said. They now also have a sense of humour. If a mother has turned down a request, the child scribbles a sketch of her mother, draws a big cross over it and sticks it on the door of the fridge. The entire household is thus informed of the child8217;s displeasure with the mother!

The other day an old man said to me, 8220;I have had bad luck with our children: they8217;ve all grown up!8221; Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man. So said Tagore many years ago. He was so right.