Bonds of Sacrifice II: Parenthood
5th, March 2022
Happy weekend, guys. Are you all having fun and unwinding from the week's hustle and bustle? Well, I am sure you are. Today I would like to talk on a different topic, although, it is a continued series from the last one I wrote on "Bond of sacrifice: worth of friendship". I figured writing something on parenting should be... say, in order.
At some point in our lives we have depended on our parents, whether we relied on them for clothing, food, and other necessities that comes as we grow. And, they've done such incredible job seeing to those needs. That is one the responsibilities of being a parent, wouldn't you say? To be able to cater for your child's needs. A very important part of the many things still left to be done, excluding the provisions and whatnots.
What is Parenthood?
It is, basically, the state of being a parent. We all can agree that parenting means raising a child from their moment of birth until they are old enough to tell the difference between what is right and what isn't. However, some people hold the belief that the job of a parent is never complete in the life of a child. Considering the fact that when we are old enough; wherever we go, whatever we become and no matter how mature we appear to be. At a certain age, or, stage in our lives, our parents always remain a huge influence that cannot be replaced. That belief, in itself, is true.
As younglings we look up to our parents for different reasons. One of which is because we haven't grown enough to make decisions for ourselves. We listen, obey and adhere to every instructions even when our young minds wouldn't comprehend the weight of the responsibility that they shoulder. They always act as a shield when we are weak, and an anchor when we are unstable.
Let us talk about the three important stages involved in parenting a child. (Mind you, these are just carefully thought out aspects I think are necessary to raising a child). The first being, the caregiver stage, the second being the mentoring stage and the last, Advisory stage.
Caregiver Stage
As I mentioned earlier, there will come a time in the life of a parent when they see to all of the child's needs. They take care of each and every detail. When a kid gets older, they begin to think of the next step which is enrolling them into a school. Now, this is also very important. Especially, when figuring out what type of school to choose for your child. It is not bad to ask questions about these institutions. Because, in truth, you should. Knowing the right environment to put your child into is crucial and it shouldn't be something to be thought of recklessly. Plan through these things thoroughly because your child wouldn't be doing the thinking themselves and your role in all of that is to be there.
Mentoring Stage
As important as caring for a child is, there is also a time to mentor and coach them. Every child needs the guidance of a parent. Children are naive and they also make mistakes. Teaching them what to make a priority is essential, and it would be helpful to them when they get older. The scriptures even attest to this.
Prov. 22:6 "Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it"
- New Living Translation
Advisory Stage
This, in part, is just as similar to the stage where you act as a mentor and a coach training your kid in the way he should go. But, one vital thing to note is that at some point adulthood always creeps in when they get to a certain level, typically, around the age of 18. It is the most challenging stage for a parent. They act as a counsellor to and for the child. They might choose to heed your advice and other times they do not. But, when they need a word you are always available for them, you are ever there to give one to them. At this stage you have transcended the caregiving, and Mentoring parent that you once were to a counselling mother and father. Love them regardless of their fault, and error, because truly if you do not no one else would!
Conclusion
Parenting isn't always going to be easy. The true value attached to understanding and patiently going through the emotions that comes with being a parent is Love. You know in your heart you've truly loved your child whatever might happen and your blessing remains with them forever.
Thank you for reading, guys. Until next time.
Happy weekend. 💐💌
