How to take care of your aging parents?


“A father’s goodness is higher than the mountain. A mother’s goodness us deeper than the sea.”

-Japanese proverb-

A child is the most precious thing for parents. From the day a child is conceived, they make every effort to deliver the child safely.

Once born, they commit to giving a comfortable life to the child. They work hard to create a better future for the child.

As we grow up, we need to take care of our parents.

This article is about how we can love and support our parents in their old age.

 Why parents are special?

Parents give us life. They committed their youth for our own goodness. There is no one like our parents who wish us happiness, who feel delighted in our success, and who feel compassion in our difficult moments.

No one can replace our parents. Those who lost their parents at an early stage know how it feels to be without parents.

Parents are worthy of paying respect. Even if you live away from them, you can send them gifts on special occasions like birthdays.

Parents are worthy of receiving the provisions from their children. You can provide them with food, clothing, medication, and other essentials according to your means. If you live close by, you can pay frequent visits to see how they are doing.

Words are not enough to express how parents stand apart from other individuals we meet in society. Thus, we should be with them as much as possible.

How parents treat their children?

·        Parents avoid children from doing bad deeds

Parents were our first teachers.

If children engage in any bad deed like using intoxicants, stealing, lying, etc. parents avoid children from those bad deeds. Instead, they teach the child what is right and wrong.

·        Train children to cultivate good habits

Also, they direct children to practice good deeds such as generosity, helping others, being kind to others, from a young age.

Once the children get into the habit of good deeds, it is more likely they will continue them in life.

·        Give children a good education

This is one of the most important things parents do for their children. Parents strive a lot to make the children educated so that the children will have better opportunities in life.

Parents support children for their education until they can sustain themselves. They feel happy for us when we come to a position in our lives. 

·        Give children in marriage

At the proper age, parents make arrangements to find a partner for children. This norm may differ culturally. Most children find a suitable partner for themselves. Still, parents would like us to choose a good partner with whom we can live in harmony.

·        Give financial support/property when children need it

If parents have any property or financial means, they are not reluctant to give them to children. This helps to initiate the lives of children.

 

How to look after your parents?

Parents make a lot of sacrifices for kids. Sometimes, they become unable to save enough for their old age. On such occasions, children should take care of their parents.

At times, we are too busy growing up, but we also forget they are getting old too.

Even if the parents have sufficient funds to look after themselves, a child can do the following to pay respect and gratitude to parents.

·        Getting them requisites:

From the day a child is born, parents give them food, clothes, and other necessities. Also, they provide proper health care when the child gets sick.

At old age, it is time for a child to pay off by giving parents the necessary requisites.

·        Talk to them with respect:

Parents are elder to us. Even if the child gets a higher education than his/her parents, they have wealth of life experience comparing to a child.

The child should talk with parents with due respect. it is not appropriate undermining them or use harsh words in front of parents.

Always use soft and meaningful words to talk with your parents.

·        Never hurt their feelings:

Sometimes, you might not agree with your parents’ decisions or opinions. Still, you should try to make them understand without hurting their feelings.

·        Practice gratitude:

Remembering what parents have done to make you a responsible child is a good way to practice gratitude. This will enhance your love and affection toward them.

Never complain about what your parents could not give you. Probably it was all they had.

·        Protecting the honour of family:

Despite the social or financial status, every family has a reputation. A good child should always protect it without defaming the good name of their parents.

The bond between parents and children is precious. No matter how much you mount, you will always be their baby girl or boy. There will be a day that you will remain only with the memories of your parents.

If you do not understand the value of your parents, that is pathetic.

Remember their goodness all the time and pay gratitude as long as they live.

Photo by Mike Scheid on Unsplash

Sara

Rathsara (Sara) is an attorney-at-law who holds a Diploma in Buddhist Studies in ITBMU. She has engaged in community service in Sri Lanka and the United States helping many individuals. She is interested in reading, writing, and researching areas related to mindfulness. Inspired by spiritually developed individuals around the globe, Rathsara is keen to learn and practice mind-developing techniques. In the meantime, she would like to share her experience and knowledge for the well-being of others.

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