Since this article comes right between two holidays honoring mothers and fathers, I thought I would discuss being a parent. In this day and age, it becomes tricky to separate a mom or dad. In so many families, one or both may be absent and someone else takes on that role. Also a mother or father usually refers to a bond that is biological, but I feel a parent is so much more.

If you look up the word parent in a dictionary, you may see various definitions that discuss giving birth, nurturing and raising a child, an organism that produces or generates offspring and a guardian/protector. The production and birth of an “offspring” is just the beginning.

The responsibilities that come with the “nurturing and raising” most importantly are the guiding and protecting but if you ask most parents in our society, the list of their other roles are endless. I often think a parent is a chauffeur, a cook, a butler, a maid, a teacher, a counselor, a spiritual leader, a doctor, a referee, a coach, a motivator, a companion, a handyman and at times a friend. Parents are the foundation of a child’s life. It is amazing to me what an impact a parent has. Whatever we do, whether good and/or bad, is remembered and stays with our children. We are a driving force in the development of our children for years to come.

When I was in graduate school, my professor said something to the class that I never forgot; “You are a parent forever.” That statement has always stuck in my mind and only now that I am a parent do I understand the enormity of it. We are indeed parents for life; we are somehow connected to our children no matter what else happens over the years.

It is very important for me as a parent to try and be a positive influence in my child’s life. I know the hurdles that face a parent are extremely difficult and at times it all seems impossible. However, I feel that children are such wonderful beings. Their innocence and sheer curiosity are perfect environments to cultivate such amazing individuals. They love us even when we are less than perfect.

Being a parent is a tremendous amount of hard work, but in the end it does have a huge return on its’ investment.