A Parent Exasperation

It seemed to be an increasing problem lately.

"I can't deal with my daughter! I can't deal with my son! I have really tried! But they do not even know the basic things like respect. All I like is for them to greet us (parents) when they return. I have to beg them for a greeting. I put my own pride down & compromised but nothing worked."

It's quite sad actually... Sad when parents do not have "executive" placement in adolescents life. Things are easily over-ridden. I have friends telling me that raising kids is like a "gamble". You may bring them up well or they may be very good kids when they were young. As parents, you may really have done your best. Read books, changed for the sake of the kids yet when they reach adolescent, things may just change. Some told me it's like a matter of luck. You "heng" (lucky), your kids don't get influenced. You not "heng", years of good upbringing will be wasted.

For me, I say other than upbringing, God play a huge role too. I do not know who have said this to me before "As parents, you will be praying your whole life for your kid." Not a parent myself but a recipient of answered prayers from God, I do still believe God works miracles. Sometimes, tests & trials are inevitable. Things do happen for God's plan for our life to be fulfilled.

Keep persevering. Fruits will be reaped as a result of hard labor. My deep respect to all mummies & daddies.