by Marella

Created on: September 03, 2009

Parents are meant to discipline, support, and provide for their children. They are the ones who put shelter on our heads, food on our plates, and clothes on our backs. They tried to understand us when we can't talk yet, carried us when we can't walk yet, and fed us when we can't eat on our own yet. All these and more are parent's way of showing how much they love and care for their kids, however, we need to analyze until when they should control every move or decision we make. It is true that parents have their responsibilities and obligations to their children, and some of this are making sure they are safe, making the right decisions, and leading a decent life.

As kids, our parents tell us what we should do or what to say. They make all the major decisions in every aspect of our life, from what to eat, what to wear, where to study, what shows we can watch, or what time we should sleep. Sometimes they even control who should be our playmates and what toys we can play with. Young kids should follow their parents since they know better than them, and there is no parent that would intentionally put harm or danger on their kids. Kids are basically under so many house rules that they are expected to follow or they'll be grounded. This is normal in any family since young children still have a lot to learn in how to live their life and what the real world bring. They are still innocent on the dangers that lurk outside their home, and they need their parents to protect them.

As we reach our teenage years, parent's role in our life must also evolve. It is true that they are still our parents that we need to respect and follow, however, we must also be given a certain degree of freedom for us to grow. We won't be able to learn life if we are forever tied in a chain held by our parents. Sometimes people have to make little mistakes in order to learn the lessons behind it and to gain more knowledge. Authoritative parents have to let go on their children step by step to give them an opportunity to grow up as healthy, responsible, and matured individuals.

When we reach our adulthood, parents are still there to give advices and guidance to their children, however, they must not control or dictate what decisions they should make. Parents have to learn how to lie low when their children eventually grow-up. Forever controlling your children's actions will prevent them to learn the meaning of responsibility and to be independent individuals. They won't be able to develop confidence and competency in making their own decisions, and the courage to face the challenges if they make any mistakes. It is fine that parents are behind their children and supporting them every step of the way, but it is not healthy if they control everything they do. People who grow-up in this environment will not develop a back bone to be adults and will forever be dependent on their parents. They won't have the proper attitude and skills to live alone when the time comes that their parents are no longer around to help them.

Parents only have the best intentions and wishes for their children, but part of loving them should be learning to let go and allowing them to be their own person. You can only guide and occasionally remind your children, but in the end they should make their own decisions on what they think is good for them.

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