MoM! It’s Valentine’s Day!!
Swooning and swirling in the ecstasy of the fantasy island where you will roam with hearts entwined and so does the hands. Suited up in the best of your attire with a plan to take her breath away you move towards the door, when you feel a hard tug on your perfectly ironed collar and as you turn, instead of a pair of loving eyes of your angel now glared two fiery eyes wrinkled with rage! “Get inside right now, you fool!” your mother screamed. “But Mom, Its Valentine’s day!” says a weird voice from your inside, still hoping to coax her into allowing you out. Nay! The fantasy land literally gives an evil smirk, and kisses you goodbye.
Life indeed is very confusing for a teenager, and of course it’s the nature’s way of preparing you to be a grown up. Stuck in between the age where they are no longer a kid, but not adult either, the biological changes raging inside literally drives one crazy! For the young adult, it is always, I am a big man! I can make my own decision. Nobody understands me! For the mother, it’s like her little baby is may be getting away from her, and because he is not matured enough, she tries to grab on. But nothing helps. The worry gets bigger when it comes about her child dating somebody. Especially in Indian household, it is considered a taboo, and when it is with teenagers, trust me, it always ends up dirty.
Well, the worry is almost common to most of the parents, especially to the mothers, and it grows as the most dreaded day known as Valentine’s day approaches, when all the little love birds try to flap their tiny wings and flutter; although the big birds are no less (LOL). The difference of opinion between parents and child is an unsolvable issue, however, tackling it with care and intelligence definitely paves a way to deal with it. However, here is a little piece of advice over what you do.
Communication is the only bridge between the differences which will help you to get to the other side of it. Always communicate with your child. Listen to what he/she has to say. But while talking, always talk like a friend. Think like a teenager and be one. Because the moment you become a parent, you are pushing him away. Always remember, you cannot hold sand in hand if you grab it too tight.
Teenagers are mostly the nervous “on the way adults”. Be enough friendly that they talk to you about their friends and trust you enough to seek advice about their issues. Crushes and infatuations are most common in this age. Set them free to learn to handle it. But in order to save them from becoming wayward, listen and make them believe that you trust them.
So, the next time he goes out with a date, he will inform you and alongside keep your trust because he would not want to hurt his dearest cool mother friend. It is a difficult task not to worry, but make him feel you understand him and trust his decisions. Believe me! The next Valentine’s Day he will himself come up to ask, “I love you Ma! Will you be my valentine?” However, as soon as you giggle a yes, another line will follow; “You are my forever valentine Ma, but can I spend some time with my second favorite?” (Chuckles). But it’s worth it! Isn’t it?
Author: Santadipa Adhya
