Nisha Baghadia
Nothing can match parents’ love and affection for their children. It is the purest and most unconditional form of love. They see their little ones grow over time into young adults and are proud and happy to witness the beautiful moments they have with their children. But as kids grow older, parents get older too, and their attempts to hold on to their children grow stronger as they keep moving farther away, getting busy with their jobs, lives, and their own families. It is important to remember parents need your assistance. They might not always express it explicitly, but they wish that their children would intervene and offer help or just be there for them.
Aging is inevitable. Parents cannot take care of their children forever, and everything they would do for their kids back in the day is now not that easily done. Once the children grow up, it’s our turn to take care of their aging parents. Aging parents have a few expectations from their “still little kids.” Here are a few of them:1.
1. To Be Treated As Proficient
Yes, they might be older and physically weaker, but do not make them feel like they are incompetent. This may make them more resistant to taking help. While they expect their children to help them with tasks they are unable to carry without assistance, they do not appreciate interference in tasks that they can do on their own. Old parents want to be treated normally and not as inefficient folks. Yes, it’s true. Give them the care they need and some assistance, but don’t crowd around them all the time. They dislike being controlled.
2. To Take Care Of Their Health
Remember, back when you were little, your parents would constantly pester you to take care of your health, give you the right meds, and all of that? Now, it’s your turn to take care of their needs – from accompanying them to doctor visits to stacking up all the meds they require. They are not young anymore and require some extra care when it comes to their health. Whether it’s a diet or exercise regimen, parents expect their children to be aware of their routine. Everyone wants to be cared for, especially by their loved ones. They might express some resistance when their kids offer help, but they truly appreciate it deep down inside.
3. To Not Be Overprotective
Some children tend to get overprotective about their aging parents. This will only annoy them and not do any good. They do not want to be told what to do. They want their kids to respect their independence and step in and be available when required. They still want to be in control. As adults, children keep assuming their parents are being stubborn but never try to understand why they might be adhering to their opinions.
4. To Be Visited
Parents want their children to visit and come to holidays and festivals. This is time to be spent together, not to access them or check on what they are lacking. Many older parents living independently are happy about the autonomy of their life, but they do expect their kids to visit or check on them once in a while.
Children do not realize this, but parents want to live a life where they have liberty and the freedom to express themselves. They want to live life with dignity, integrity, individuality, and, not to mention, independence. They do not expect anything materialistic, all they need is support and a little assistance from their children. Treat your parents how you would want to be treated once are at their stage, because everyone wants respect at any age.