This isn't about how you dress or what you watch or listen to - you've heard from plenty of other people about that. This is about your parents. You know, the people who live in the same house as you - they feed you, they pay bills to ensure you have a roof over your head, they clothe you, they love you (I hope).
Did you know that your parents aren't just parents? I think you might know that intellectually but I think you also might forget, when I was a teenager I forgot too. We all need a reminder from time to time.
Did you know that once upon a time your parents were teenagers "just" like you? They had best friends and boyfriends/girlfriends, they had to go to school and do homework, they had fights with their own parents and rolled their eyes at them too. Your parents also had dreams about their futures, they had goals, they had TV shows they loved and hated, music genres they loved and hated, a fashion style that was either "in" or "out". Did you know that your parents probably had their heart broken by someone?
Did you know that your parents aren't just parents? They are humans that have feelings just like you. They still have dreams and goals they would like to see come to fruition someday. They can still get heartbroken. They still have homework - most of the time it just looks a little different. Sometimes they still fight with their parents or siblings. They still have friendship troubles of their own from time to time. They still have a romantic/love relationship that needs attention and requires work from time to time (that's your other parent I'm referring to).
Did you know that when you snap at them because you are having a bad day or are annoyed at the moment or think they are purposely trying to bug you that you hurt their feelings? Just like your feelings may be hurt if they do that to you or someone else does. Did you know that your parents also have bad days, get annoyed at people, and feel slighted by others (including you!)?
Have you ever thought about your parents as humans rather than parents? Again, intellectually I think you know they are humans but we all get stuck in our ruts and forget that people are more than their labels. Your parents aren't just parents, that role isn't the entirety of their life - that is just a part of their life. They are sons/daughters, husband/wife, friends, brother/sister, co-workers, talented, dreamers, aunt/uncle, passionate, fill in the blank.
Do you know the dreams of your parents? Do you know what they are passionate about outside of what you see they do day in and day out? Do you know what their favorite color is and why? Or what their favorite drink or dessert is? Do you know what they do at their job (if they work outside of the home)? Do you know why they are so protective of you? What do you know about your parents outside of the label parent? They know you. They study you and commit to memory your favorite things, what annoys you, what makes you smile, they listen carefully to what you are and aren't saying about your future. Have you taken the time to listen to them (they may not be as boring as you think!)?
Your parents are living their own stories, you aren't the only one whose story is being written. Their stories are still being written, they are just a few chapters ahead of you. While they are your parents, remember they are also people who have feelings, dreams, and hopes just like you.
Sincerely,
A parent who is also a wife, Mom, daughter, sister, Aunt, friend, co-worker, and has big dreams
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