Parents are foundation of our societies

Ranjan K Baruah *

We have been celebrating national and international days related to children, youth, women, older persons, families, etc. There are also days dedicated to mothers and fathers. But maybe there is no global day dedicated to parents as such or a day for the parents in the past. Parents play an important role in our life though some are unfortunate to lose their parents in early age. Some lose either father or mother in early age which is really unfortunate for many. Parents of every race, religion, culture and nationality in all parts of the world are the primary caregivers and teachers of their children, preparing them for a happy, fulfilling and productive life. Parents are the anchors of the family and the foundation of our communities and societies.

Every child has their rights but many are deprived of their rights. The principles outlined in the international human rights framework apply both to children and adults. The Convention on the Rights of the Child brings together the children’s human rights articulated in other international instruments. The Convention stresses these principles and refers to the responsibility of children to respect the rights of others, especially their parents. The Convention expressly recognizes that parents have the most important role in the bringing up children. The text encourages parents to deal with rights issues with their children.

Traditionally in many societies, fathers have been moral teachers, disciplinarians and breadwinners. In many countries, there is now an increased emphasis on the father’s role as a co-parent, fully engaged in the emotional and practical day-to-day aspects of raising children. On the other hand mothers play a critical role in the family, which is a powerful force for social unity and amalgamation. The mother-child relationship is vital for the healthy development of children. And mothers are not only caregivers; they are also breadwinners for their families. Yet women continue to face major — and even life-threatening — challenges in motherhood. When we talk of parents both mothers and fathers have important role to play to make progress amongst children and in the family.

A day has been declared in respect and honour of the parents. The Global Day of Parents is observed on the 1st of June every year. The Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 with resolution A/RES/66/292 and honours parents throughout the world. The Global Day provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship.

In its resolution, the UN General Assembly also noted that the family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children and that children, for the full and harmonious development of their personality, should grow up in a family environment and in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding. The resolution recognizes the role of parents in the rearing of children and invites Member States to celebrate the Day in full partnership with civil society, particularly involving young people and children. In the United States, Parents’ Day is held on the fourth Sunday of every July and in South Korea, Parent’s Day is annually held on May 8th.

Role of parents are being acknowledged as they help in up brining of a child. The term ‘parenting’ is the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, financial, and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood. Positive parenting would have positive impact while negative parenting lead to problem in the families. Though there are many challenges in parenting it is the moral responsibility to be positive so that a healthy society can be created with values.

As parents the roles and responsibilities towards children is different and at the same way children must have positive respect towards their parents. Parents suffer more in the old age and in the old age it is the responsibility of their children to take care of their parents and contribute to them though no child can give back what his or her parents does for him or her. There are instances which could be seen related to negligence towards parents at the old age. Many children stay away from their families and do not take much care about their parents which is not positive. Parents are to be respected and honoured as they are with us during our young age and because together a vibrant social fabric could be build.

We talk much about youth unrest and violence by young people. Many times it is the fact that youth violence could be a result of negative parenting. Giving quality time to child is important but many parents fail to do so and as result, impact could be seen amongst kids. Similarly, violence in the house especially fighting amongst mothers and fathers bring a negative impact in the minds of any child. Some fathers cause domestic violence or even sexual abuse, devastating families and creating profound physical and emotional scars in children. Violence against women, many of whom are mothers, remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations of our time. It has far-reaching consequences — endangering the lives of women and girls, harming their families and communities, and damaging the very fabric of societies. At the same time misuse of some laws by women also brings negative impact in the family.

There is an opportunity for men to re-envision imaginatively what it means to be a father and to see opening to make a difference in communities. As we strive to support mothers in their care giving work, we should develop and expand family-friendly policies and services. Families built on the recognition of equality between women and men will contribute to more stable and productive societies. Spread of education would bring more positive impacts in the society. With positive parenting based on the values, we can think of a positive society. As our family structure is not like the past so parents have more responsibilities cause if they do not do best at their time they may face problem in the old age which is a threat to our social fabric. Let us all respect our parents and as parents everyone must carry out their roles and responsibilities.