More Musings

While arguing yesterday that a parent should be friendly, but not a friend, was I being orthodox? Conventional when I wrote that a mother or a father need not share a whiff or a drag with the progeny? Currently, it is so hip to prove to the world that you are hep that generations gather to boast of their vices!

In my vindication, let me remind you of the story of the thief who was to die at the gallows. "I want to whisper the most truthful...," the thief maintained. The kind judge agreed immediately as it was anyways the death wish to be granted.

When his mother went near him, the thief almost bit off her ear. When the judge asked him to explain the apparently bizzare behaviour, the thief said,"that was her punishment for not stopping me when I committed the first crime." 

The apocryphal story proves my point that a parent has to be a parent, has to discipline the child, not encourage his vices the way a friend may. 

A point to prove could be the choice of a career. Many youngsters choose a branch because the best buddy goes for it. If the very same year, the friend's father is transferred, there is evry likelihood that the so-called good friends may nevr meet again. In the process, however,  a lifetime is lost due to the choice of a wrong career.

A parent must bring up the child in such a way that such temptations do not ruin their progeny's future. Often though, a father may indulge the child a lot so that the child always gets what he could not during his days, his childhood and/or youth. There are half-witted mothers who either do not think things through or want their dreams fulfilled vicariously!

Parenthood is a responsibility, not a risk wherein you can play with a future. Hence parents have to be mature, and not act immaturely in the trendy, bum-chum fashion. In brief, treat the child with respect when his shoe size matches yours/ Use the similarity to understand where the shoe pinches; yet never throw the baby with the bath water!

pratima@trendy trickery targets, rather than trains!