I think this is an age long thing, it's like tradition and It has been like that from time. I know the idea is very very strong in Africa and it is used to blackmail the children, that even when they don't have what it takes, they have to do anything possible just to take care of their parents.
Looking at this from the angle I understand it, parents give birth to their children at their prime and they take care of the children with all the resources they have so that the children will become successful in the future. From the way I look at it, everything they do, is for their children. That is the reason they even go further to make the children study a particular course and choose a career for the children
A career that will give them financial freedom in the future so that the children will have the resources to take care of them in their old age.
I don't have any issue with this because it has been like that since God knows when. The only issue I have with it is when the children are forced to do things just because of their parents own selfish interest. Some mother's will say they want to be called 'mama Doctor', 'mama Reverend' and so on just because of their interest, they force the children to do things they don't love.
Some go as far as blackmailing the children, telling them that their mates are already doing this and that for their parents there by forcing the children to do things that are not legitimate just so that they can give money to their parents.
Let's not forget that this children did not ask to be born. They didn't apply to be born, so why do they have to go through hell because they want to take care of their parents.
Again for me, it's like a poverty mentality thing. When these parents are wealthy, they won't be thinking about such things. In my language, they would say things like 'they want to rest their backs to eat their children's food'. They would say when the rabbit grows old it sucks it's children's breast, And so on.
I think at old age, parents also deserve to be cared for because there are things they won't be able to do for themselves again. It's a time to show them love and care.
My parents are not rich, and I've been working for some years now. But They have never asked me or my siblings for anything especially financial assistance because they don't need it. We show them love and care, give out of love and they appreciate the little things we do. They don't need the money, they have all they need.
In preparation for my old age, I don't have it all figured out yet but I want to work and make investment that would make me be financially okay and not have to live off what my children will give to me in my old age. I want to live in love and show them so much love that I don't have to blackmail them to visit me but it would be something they will look forward to and love to do.
This is my response to Hive learners community weekly featured contents on the topic; A Child's Responsibility
Thanks for stopping by, I really appreciate you. Please let me know what you think about my opinion by leaving a comment.
All photos used are mine.
Yours truly @aunty-tosin 💕💕
