Why Do Parents Sometimes Fail to Understand Our Actions?

It is a common sentiment shared among many teenagers that their parents often misunderstand their actions. Often, parents may see our behavior as wrong or useless and express discouragement, leading us to feel underestimated. However, this misunderstanding is more reflective of the parents' experiences and priorities rather than any inherent fault in our behavior.

Parental Understanding vs. Misunderstanding

Not all parents are the same. Some are indeed proud of their children and very supportive. When parents seem to misunderstand us, it often says more about their past experiences and concerns than about us. For instance, a ten-year-old may not have any objections to accepting a candy from a stranger, as they are unaware of potential dangers. However, the same child may feel upset if denied that candy by their parents. Similarly, during Diwali, when kids enjoy burning crackers, they often show off by getting closer to them, only to be scolded by their parents. These experiences shape our understanding of parental guidance and the boundaries they set.

Parents as Learnings

Parents often act out of a place of concern, especially when they see their children making choices that seem risky or impulsive. For example, when a child takes a bike, parents have a natural fear that their children may not be safe or may lack the necessary skills to handle the responsibility. It is understandable that parents impose limits and caution their children, as they are doing so out of concern and love. These actions are a reflection of their past experiences and a desire to protect their children.

The Journey to Self-Realization

As we grow older, we often reach a point where we gain a deeper understanding of our parents' actions. When we ourselves become parents, our perspectives change significantly. For instance, when a child is engrossed in playing video games like PUBG, their parents might feel frustrated or concerned about the lack of focus on studies. However, as we grow older, we often empathize with our parents' concerns and realize the importance of balancing leisure and academic responsibilities.

A Real-Life Example

To illustrate this point, let's consider an example. There was a boy in the neighborhood who had opened a YouTube channel and uploaded videos of PUBG streaming. He was in 10th grade and had a habit of demanding a good phone, often abusing his parents for not supporting him. When PUBG was banned during the lockdown, he realized he had wasted his time gaining only 500 subscribers and decided to focus on his studies. He joined coaching classes, and the author, who is his teacher, could see the shift in his attitude and effort.

This story highlights the importance of parental guidance and the impact it can have on our future. Eventually, we come to realize the value of the lessons our parents impart, and the understanding of their actions becomes clearer as we experience similar situations ourselves.

Parents indeed have a lot of experience and wisdom. We may not always appreciate it or fully understand it when we are younger, but as we grow and face similar challenges ourselves, the lessons we learn from our parents become invaluable.

Conclusion

It is important to view our parents' actions in a positive light and to put ourselves in their shoes. Their fears and concerns are a reflection of their past experiences and a desire to see us grow into responsible adults. As we navigate our own challenges, we will have a newfound appreciation for the guidance and wisdom our parents have shared with us.

So, do upvote if you found this article insightful and relatable, and let's all strive to be kinder and more understanding towards our parents.

Be happy!