The Honorable Task of Parenthood

The job of a parent is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon anyone. It is a selfless and often thankless endeavor. Having a child is one thing; being a parent is another.

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The day I became a parent marked a profound shift in my life. My dreams and aspirations were subordinated and supplanted by those of my child. As I embark on this journey, my task as a parent is clear:

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1. To ensure that my kids are:

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?? - Healthy,

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?? - Well-mannered,

?? - Educated,

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?? - Supported,

?? - Confident, goal-directed, forward-thinking, considerate, empathetic, friendly, kind, and hard-working,

?? - Raised in a loving family,

?? - And able to appreciate the gift of humor.

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I want to instill in them a compassion for the less fortunate, for my job is to raise my child to care for the world. If I neglect this responsibility, I risk raising a child who may not understand the importance of empathy and community.

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I strive tirelessly for perfection, always mindful that it does not exist. As author and psychologist Dr. Shefali Tsabary states, “The greatest gift you can give your children is your own happiness.” It’s a reminder that while I work to provide for them, I also need to nurture my well-being.

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Every parent grapples with the fear of inadvertently causing harm. We are all edging toward damaging our kids, and the best we can do is to limit that damage. I raise my child not for my own fulfillment but as my offering to the world. I must cultivate qualities that empower them to navigate life with empathy, care, and drive. In that pursuit, I prepare them for the rigors, stresses, pains, and disappointments of life—a daunting task, yet one I must pursue with unwavering dedication.

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I need to mold my child into the best version of themselves, enabling them to explore the full potential of their existence. Serving in this capacity is a dutiful honor, while receiving their love and trust is an incredible privilege. I am profoundly grateful for the chance to guide them on this journey, a gift I cherish deeply.

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I approach this role with caution, reminding myself that my child is not an instrument through which I can relive my life but an individual with their own path. The sheer privilege of witnessing their growth and discoveries fills my heart with gratitude every day. I often find myself reflecting on my own parents and recognize the perfect job they did, even as my life reflects imperfections. Looking at my achievements as a parent, I often see only flaws and shortcomings. Ultimately, I realize that perfection is unattainable; striving for it tirelessly is the journey that will make me a better person.

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I commit to this task with full awareness that I will falter and fail. My child is my imperfect offering to the world—a reflection of both my strengths and weaknesses. As Maya Angelou beautifully said, “To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power.” Parenthood is indeed a whirlwind, a mix of chaos and beauty.

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Through this journey, I learn to cherish the calm moments and embrace the storms, knowing that every misstep is part of the wondrous adventure of raising a child. I am endlessly thankful for the opportunity to be a parent, a role that shapes my heart and soul in ways I never thought possible.

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Compiled by SYP on 27October2024

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