"There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings."
-- Hodding Carter

The third decade

The confused years of transition. Special years indeed.

What role does the parent play in this scenario? Is she narrator, prompter, prop or still playing a lead role?

Very often parents and children are both confused at this stage in life. Some parents think that like the west, older children crave privacy to the extent of excluding family. Others are convinced that children do not know what is good for them and continue to monitor and direct all their activities. But the truth lies somewhere in between.

Setting them free

The duty of the parent begins and ends with instilling values and life skills in children. Once the foundation has been laid, it is quite enough. Any one can build over it. The child herself, her teachers, friends, family, society and the world at large. Nothing - but nothing can shake the foundation that has been laid well.

A parent gives the child 'roots'. An identity and a homestead to return to at anytime, from anywhere. This is not necessarily a building or house ...it is a sense of belonging. A mental haven. A sanctuary of sorts.

And then the parent must give 'wings'. Fledglings must fly. It is the law of nature.

Having set them free, with their sense of values, it is but natural to expect them to head in the right direction. To return when they need to.

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