Parenthood

Assalamualaikum,

No, this isn't about the TV series Parenthood. Nor is it a sign that I am ready to become a parent. I'm anything but ready. Its just a general opinion on the cycle of life that is parenthood.

I bet many of us have heard our parents say something along the lines of "just wait until you get your own kids, then you'll know how I feel". Normally this is preceded by us, the kids, doing something wrong, or saying something hurtful which upset our parents. And I'm sure the cycle was repeated many times before with our parents and grandparents. And I'm sure we will suffer the same cycle too when we eventually have kids of our own.

But what can I say? It's one of the many circles of life. Kids will always be rude and rebellious to their parents, especially during the teenage years. Parents will struggle to cope with the hormonal rages of teens starting to find their place in the world. Trying to find a balance between discipline, and letting them grow and develop on their own. After that rebellious stage has come and gone, and the kids become mature, young adults, they start thinking of their future away from home. They wait eagerly for the time they fly away from the nest. Then when they start learning responsibilities of adulthood, especially in terms of financial stability, they start to look back on all the years they spent at home, without having to worry about any of it, because mom and dad handled everything.

Before you know it, the kids who were once lectured by their parents are now doing the lecturing to their own kids.

I've been home since last November. I've been working on some research projects sure, but only from home. I haven't had to go to the labs, or office or anything. I reached a certain point where I just got tired of staying home. The daily chores I do, the things I help do for my parents, sometimes I just think in the back of my head "I can't wait for September". That's when I start my Masters. From time to time I even throw mini-tantrums at my sister when she refuses to help out. But when I reflect on where I am in life, the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate, and not long after that (hopefully =p) moving on to my own family, I guess I should make the most of what little time I have left at home, and enjoy the company of my family. Not complain about being tired or anything.

And I know many of my friends are currently at the same stage or thereabouts. Just got married, going to get married, waiting for Masters or already pursuing, just started work, or still looking. Wherever you are in your career, and in life, try to remember how much your parents helped get you there. One day you'll have to do the same for your kids.

Like they said in The Lion King, its the circle of life.

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