To what should I compare life? It was once said by one of the world’s best writer that: all the world’s a stage, and all the men and women are merely players; they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages. (William Shakespeare)
Some have even likened it to a box of chocolates, movie, journey, play, dream, roller coaster ride, a football match, and so on. It all really depends on one’s experiences, perspectives, observations or even expectations. Everyone is right in their own way, just like the tale of the elephant and the blind men.
However, at this point, I would like to view life a bit differently. I feel that: life is like running a long distance race. When you do make up your mind to enter a race, there are lots of people who would give their own interpretations, opinions, critics and most of all words of discouragement. If ever anyone’s found to agree with you, you might find that you’re truly your best supporter and cheerleader.
In other words, when you take those baby steps to make up your mind to run the race, you have to be prepared from the onset that you’re in the race till the finish line.
Frankly, it’s about the intent to enter, pass through the hurdles, bustle, twists, turns and whatever it takes to see the finish line. Only at the place of destination can one step back, take a deep breath and whisper to self fait accompli.
Somehow, anything we set our mind to do can fit perfectly into that comparison. So, I would like to imagine parenting in the same manner. One cannot afford to barge in incidentally or accidentally and exit so nonchalantly. Of course, there are myriads of instances that could challenge the statement. Howbeit, our focus is on parenting.
Parenting ought to be intentional and not incidental. Everyone who goes into the act of copulation should be much aware of the implications of doing so. Accepting such possibility or possibilities helps one to think about the responsibilities that go with bringing a child into the world.
Indeed, one should not allow oneself to be coaxed or cajoled into being a parent; as it would breed irresponsibility and unwillingness to take charge of the parenting race.
Parenting should be accepted with apparent intentionality. Anyone venturing in ought to put in the much he/she can.
Actually, it could be one’s best, not measured by the yardstick of another. But by life’s principles of parenting within the context that one can definitely accept.
Whether or not one is ready, there are still ways of joggling things through. According to research, several books have been written on the subject matter of parenting and one could do some homework by trying to find out what’s been said, not documented and what could be adapted to one’s own ways of life.
Whatever the situation, every parent and potential parent should realize that it’s never too late to plan or start afresh in the right direction. Every parent is a potential leader and should consider looking at things from that perspective so that raising children can be considered with thoughts of what one is putting out there as a mentoring process for any child.
Bad leadership is what has truncated the growth of our country Nigeria but great parenting could change a whole lot of things in future for us and for our children.
By Bridget Uko
