Do Parents See Their Children as Angels?

Often, particularly when our children were sleeping, the notion of them being angels seems to be a whimsical fantasy. As parents, we realize that our children are not perfect; they are, in fact, wonderful, horrible, loving, frustrating, and most importantly, healthy, active individuals. To treat them as angels would be to deny the reality of their existence and growth.

Parental Perspective: A Realistic Lens

Realism and Truth: Parental perspective is best understood through the lens of realism. Our children, in their early years, can be delightful, gentle, and thoughtful. These qualities can easily lead us to idealize them, perhaps even seeing them as perfect beings, or angels. However, such an idealization implies a separation from the reality of parenting, which involves a myriad of challenges and complexities.

Angels are often depicted as celestial beings with no faults, no challenges, and no need for growth. They exist in a perfect state, free from the insecurities, frustrations, and occasional lapses in judgment that are inherent in daily life. But children, in their formative years, are still learning, growing, and making mistakes. They are, in essence, works in progress, and their imperfections are a vital part of their development.

Challenges in Parenting

Wondrous and Horrible: Our children are wonderful and horrible in equal measure. They can bring joy and laughter into our lives, but they also pose challenges and frustrations that can be overwhelming at times. This duality is crucial to understanding the parental perspective. Children require care and discipline, which can sometimes be difficult to provide, given their sometimes frustrating or impulsive behavior.

For instance, during the early stages of their development, children often struggle with temper tantrums, sleep disturbances, and other behaviors that can be perplexing and stressful for parents. Acknowledging these challenges as part of their growth and development rather than viewing them as insurmountable problems is key to maintaining a balanced perspective.

Love, Frustration, and Growth

A Love That Grows and Changes: Love for our children is a complex emotion that evolves over time. It encompasses frustration as much as it does joy. As our children grow, their personalities and needs change, often presenting new challenges. The love we have for them remains constant, but our understanding of that love must also evolve to accommodate these changes.

Every parent knows the feeling of frustration, whether it's dealing with a toddler's consistent refusal to be potty-trained or a teenager's decision to stay out late without permission. These moments can test the limits of our patience and our relationships. However, frustration can also serve as an opportunity for us to learn and grow as parents, to become more understanding and patient, and to teach our children the importance of self-restraint and responsibility.

Healthy and Active Kids

Health and Activity: Our children are decidedly healthy and active, which is a crucial aspect of their development. Children who are physically active tend to be more resilient, more focused, and generally healthier. However, their health and activity can also be sources of parental concern, especially when it comes to safety and well-being.

As parents, we must balance the encouragement of healthy, active lifestyles with the need to protect our children from potential risks. This balance can be challenging, but it is an essential part of our role as parents. We must instill in them the importance of safety, whether it's wearing helmets when riding bicycles, using protective gear during sports, or simply being cautious when playing indoors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to see our children as angels, it is more realistic and beneficial to view them as wonderful, horrible, loving, and frustrating. This perspective allows us to foster a healthy relationship with our children, one that is grounded in truth and reality. By understanding the balance of their behavior and the challenges that come with it, we can better support their growth and development, ensuring that they become the best versions of themselves.