Understand Your Parents Today, So That Your Children Understand You Tomorrow
“Children begin by loving their parents; as they grow older they judge them; sometimes they understand them.” — Oscar Wilde
Stop Judging. Start Understanding.
Growing up, we often ask:
- Why are they so strict?
- Why don’t they support my dreams?
- Why are they always tired, angry, or negative?
But here's the truth:
One day, you'll be in their shoes — and only then will you feel the weight they carry every single day.
🧠 The Hidden Life of Parents: What We Never See
We forget something essential:
Our parents didn’t begin life as parents.
They were once like us — young, full of hope, energy, and dreams.
Then life happened:
- Bills replaced birthdays.
- Jobs replaced journeys.
- Responsibilities replaced rebellion.
What you see as:
- Harsh words
- Constant worry
- Strict rules
Is often just:
- Exhaustion they hide
- Fear of seeing you make their mistakes
- A silent prayer for your happiness
Parents don’t always say "I love you."
They show it — through sacrifice.
❌ Why Kids Misunderstand Their Parents
1. The Generation Gap
- You are global, digital, and fast-paced.
- They grew up analog, local, and cautious.
They don’t lack understanding — they lack context.
Bridging this gap takes empathy, not anger.
2. Lack of Communication
Most Indian families operate on:
- Parents: “Do as I say.”
- Kids: “You never understand.”
What’s missing?
Just one sentence:
“Can we talk — without judgment?”
Try it. Watch the magic.
3. We Expect Them to Be Perfect
Parents are not gods.
They’re not born with manuals.
They’re figuring it out — just like you.
If you expect perfection, you’ll find flaws.
If you expect humanity, you’ll find love.
🔁 The Law of Life: What You Give Comes Back
One day, you’ll:
- Worry about your child’s safety
- Hope they make wise decisions
- Feel hurt when they shut you out
So ask yourself:
Don’t I want them to say,
“My parent is doing their best. I’ll trust them.”
Then start giving that understanding to your parents — today.
Because life is a circle.
🧘 A Small Shift in Mindset
Replace this:
“They’re so annoying.”
With:
“Maybe they’re scared for me.”
Change:
“They don’t get it.”
To:
“They didn’t grow up like this. Let me explain.”
Pause:
“They ruined my mood.”
Ask:
“Did I ruin theirs too? Can I forgive faster?”
Sometimes, one emotionally mature person is enough to break a cycle of misunderstandings.
Let that person be you.
🧠 A Simple Empathy Exercise
Next time you argue with your parents:
- Sit alone.
- Imagine you are them.
- Feel:
- Their financial stress
- Their health issues
- Their sacrificed dreams
- Their fear of losing you
Then imagine:
Your own child shouting at you the way you just did.
What do you feel now?
This one mental exercise is more powerful than a hundred self-help books.
🕰 Final Thought: Parents Won’t Be Around Forever
One day:
- You’ll want to call them — and won’t be able to.
- You’ll realize they were right — and it’ll be too late.
- Their chair will be empty — but your heart will be full.
Before that day comes:
- Choose understanding over ego
- Choose hugs over arguments
- Choose gratitude over complaints
Being a good son or daughter isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about seeing your parents not as machines of responsibility,
but as imperfect humans who love you the best they can.
Because one day, you’ll be the parent.
And you’ll pray your child does the same.