Parent

Well, this is one way of giving respect to those parents out there, and I think I did an alright job.

Now, let's look into this title of being, 'a parent.' It's a lifelong responsibility that you have, once you bring a child into this world. It's all up to you, whether or not you want to accept that responsibility. It's not 'a friend' to talk to, and have around once a child is expected. No, this is a commitment you either accept, or deny. You will commit yourself to giving up all your free time to raise this child. You will commit yourself to sacrificing your own needs to put the needs of this child ahead of your own. You will commit yourself to a lot more than just the things that are mentioned here. Things like: money, dates, partying, silence, clothes, clean air, and sleep will all be sacrificed just by becoming a parent. Realize it or not, but having a child is a lot more than some people think it is. You tend to become a different person after having a kid. You become more thoughtful, more cautious, and have to learn a lot of patience in becoming a parent.

Okay, I know there are a lot of young parents out there. Some people say, "it's baby's having babies." I don't have the facts on youngest mother or anything like that, but believe you me, I'm sure it's pretty young. I don't think that most of today's youth realize the consequences of having unprotected sex. Not only that, I don't think many are ready to be parents. They're probably more worried about what their parents will say or think when they have to break the news of becoming a parent themselves at such a young age. If they're willing to take everything in, handle it (no matter how hard things get) and continue on with life, more power to them. They're willing to show that they are just as responsible as some people didn't expect them to be. If they aren't willing to accept responsibility of their own actions, I'm hoping they'll soon see the error of their ways and try harder to do right. If not for your own sake, then at least for the child's sake, try to do what's right in raising someone new to this world.

I also know of some people not being able to have kids. But, they feel that they have this parenting instinct they need to fulfill. Adoption, or being a foster parent is the most likely path they'll take on. Nothing is more rewarding than opening your home and lives to a child who is need of a little stability. Foster kids are looked down upon by the majority of society. Like it's their fault that their biological parents were abusive? Like they asked to be placed in dangerous situations? If you have the chance to help out a child in need of a better home, please do so.

Wait, I went off a little, but I guess that's okay. "Being a parent." It's hard, and maybe it's supposed to be? But, make it through all the sleepless nights, the cries, the worry, and then look at what you've achieved. You brought in a new life, and took it in. You molded a new life, a new mind, an entirely new person. Bestowed on them are your habits, beliefs, and even thoughts. All your knowledge, and after 18 or more years, you see what your hard work looks out to be. Now, there are outside elements also in effect here, but you have a say in whether or not you let these outside elements affect your child. You work at just being a parent, and in the end, hope you are a good parent.

Now hold on. There are also those who are 'single parents.' Those who have the duel role of being moms, and pops. Now there different reasons for this situation, but all the same, it's a situation that doubles the work load for that parent. It's up to them to do everything for this child. It's up to them to do good for this kid, and also continue with what they have going. Those who are successful, single-parents, I got much respect for you. Being raised by one myself, I know it's not an easy task of raising someone all on your own.

Most likely, if someone's a good parent, then that usually means they're a good person too. I wish there are nothing but good parents out there, because if there were, a lot of problems wouldn't be present today.

Posted on 04 Jun 2006 by Windreamer