Parents sacrificing for their children is part of parenthood and it is not unusual. I know parents who have sacrificed properties, education, money and their careers just to fend for their children and make their dreams a reality. This is all part of setting priorities the right way, some may argue, but yet others deem it unnecessary or a result of poor planning. However one views it, the trend will continue for as long as humanity exists.
But on another note, some of such sacrifices go too far. You find some parents feeling guilty for eating a normal meal believing that they owe it to their children to eat less or nothing and offer them their shares. They always give children the lion’s share of meals while they suffer in silence. Many starve while at work, opting to feed their children instead. It becomes worse when parents attend trainings where meals and snacks are offered. I have observed some parents packing food for children, even while attending other gatherings such as weddings or bridal showers. They live for their children and want to please them all the time.
Parenthood should not be a death sentence or a form of unprecedented weight loss. It does not mean wearing worn out clothes of dressing like a member of the circus in the name of upbringing children. Parents, too, need nurturing, including proper nutrition, dressing and all other needs. It does not mean negligence when parents indulge themselves from time to time. It is also not abusive to eat a proper meal and getting a fair share of any provision.
If not checked, such behaviour can lead to feelings of entitlement by some children, who feel they have a right to their parents’ wealth, health and many other things. They also feel entitled anywhere they go and may become failures because they are used to being spoon-fed. In short, they become spoiled, even in marriages, leading to failed relationships because they expect just to receive and never give.
Life is about striking a balance. When scales are tilted too much on one side, it becomes problematic for the scale and the side on the receiving end. Contents overflow and spill with the scale compromised as it may break. In this case, the toll on parents becomes unbearable and may lead to serious health or financial problems. It also becomes problematic for those favoured for reasons cited above.
We complain about generations of lazy youths who depend on their parents even in adulthood. There is always a starting point of where we get things wrong. Nobody wakes up entitled unless they are brought up that way. Entitlement becomes a sore in the flesh, even outside the home. Help make the world a better place by raising responsible children.
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