Parenting In Retrospect
Born in the 1980s, I was primarily nurtured by my Caribbean mother and grandmother, with supportive roles also played by my grandfather and, albeit from a significant distance, my biological father. During my upbringing, the roles and expectations for children were clearly defined, with a prevailing consensus among my peers that children should obediently heed the guidance of their parents and other authority figures. From my retrospective view, cultural norms, deeply ingrained from childhood, made the task of parenting in the Caribbean during the 1980s relatively straightforward, as parents assumed multifaceted roles as guides, instructors, and disciplinarians.
Reflecting on my upbringing, I recall a pivotal moment during my sophomore year in college when my philosophy professor elucidated the concept of human choice, distinguishing humans from animals by our capacity for conscious decision-making. Until then, I had never fully grasped the notion of free will; rather, I perceived my choices as binary — to comply or face consequences — which effectively limited my sense of agency. This realization marked a significant shift in my understanding of personal autonomy and responsibility.
Fast forward to 2009, when I became a parent myself, I was determined to instill in my son the importance of deliberate decision-making and accountability for his actions. Seeking guidance on effective parenting strategies, I found existing literature to be lacking in practical support tailored to the realities of contemporary parenting. Many resources emphasized idealistic approaches to child development without addressing the challenges faced by parents, such as financial constraints, time limitations, and diverse learning needs. Moreover, the prevailing narrative often portrayed parenting as a one-size-fits-all endeavor, overlooking the unique strengths and personalities of individual parents and their children.
I am writing this post to connect with others that recognize this gap between conventional parenting advice and the evolving cultural landscape, as I embarked on a journey to explore alternative approaches to parenting to address the prevalent stressors faced by modern parents. With you, I would like to explore strategies that offer a more balanced and supportive approach, acknowledging the inherent challenges while honoring the efforts of parents striving to do their best. Excited to be on this journey with you. I welcome your comments below.
