by S. Bates

Created on: October 27, 2009

I do not consider it a duty or obligation to help my parents financially. I know if I needed "help", if they could have afforded it, they would have helped me out. And now, since my father has passed, my mother lives with me. I do not consider that an obligation either, it is a privilege that I get to spend so much time with her that I didn't have when I was married and while she was still married to my father. She has so much to tell me that I didn't have time to find out when I was younger.

However, while I was growing up, after high school and getting married, any time I really needed help, I knew if my parents could afford it they would help me. I didn't think of that being their duty. But unless it was something that was really Needed, I would not have even thought of asking them for any help. To me that is taking someone for granted, and believe me, if my father thought I was doing that he would have definitely let me know! I do not believe that any children whom were reared by loving parents would even think twice about it being their "duty" to help their parents financially or otherwise. It would be a pleasure. And anyone that is Christian would just consider it honoring their mother and father.

Of course, I realize all children and parents do not, and did not, get along like me and mine. I had very strict, but loving, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins that lived next door, so we were a tight family. If anyone one truly Needed anything, as long as they did not abuse the gesture or take it for granted, there was always someone around to help.

I can't help but think the question even being asked about it being the children's' duty to financially help parents is so ironic. Being raised where that would not have been thought twice about, it seems like an odd question, or issue, to even discuss. However, I do know some parents that have abused their relationships with their children, and other relatives, and have taken advantage of anyone they could. These are the type people who take help for granted. Personally, if I had parents like that, I would really have to search my soul for the answer and pray that I had a lot of money.

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