Thursday, November 12, 2009

Indian Mothers in the US

My observations have shown we have 2 types in general:

some who have completely americanized and are mostly not concerned about their kids day to day activities or life in general. These parents are the ones who speak aggressively about kids privacy,etc. And then if they come to hear about issues their child is facing @ school... act most surprised..

The other group although have probably been living in the US for 3 decades or more cannot leave the age old customs and traditions and rules and regulations of parenthood followed in India. They need upto the minute details about whats going on in their children's life. They talk to their kids frnds and parents to learn about who their kids are hanging out with.. dont understand why a 7 year old kid is getting a call from her frnd.. oftentimes scolds and cajole their children in front of everyone(which is considered embarrassing by the kids of course).. setting curfew times and hours.. let me think - what else.. well in short everything that is considered embarrassing by the kid. But then agin the definition of embarrassment these days is overated too..

where do you draw the line?
thats where the 3rd category of parents come in -

I believe every parent should be involved in their kids life so much so that they have a general understanding of how their kids are and who they are socialising with and how they are doing in school or other activities.. theres no harm in asking a who or when or why to their kids.. cause until 18 all kids are dependent on their parents financially or otherwise and also during their growing phase they can take advantage of their parents experiences.. they should be able to build a bond based on honesty and trust.. they should encourage kids to openly share their thoughts and feelings and keep parents updated about their whereabouts..

theres a saying - 'if you love someone set him free'.. true.. but in case of love for ones own child you cannot let that happen.. you arent actually restraining the kid... yet a kid growing up would be lost without proper and timely support from the parent..

which category of parents am I?? I think ppl who see me everyday or know me can say it best..

its probably the toughest job in the world!! hands down!!

so many saying comes to mind instantly
*happy parents make happy kids and a happier future gen
*spare the rod spoil the child

I dont think we can ever have a Worlds Best Parent award.. cause every parenthood is unique in itself..

Happy Parenthood!!

2 comments:

axay said...

I liked thhe line "heres a saying - 'if you love someone set him free'.. true.. but in case of love for ones own child you cannot let that happen"

good one, keep it up.

akshay

Sharmistha said...

Thanks Akshay!!