The Quest For Parental Validation

I wonder, do we ever reach an age at which we are no longer interested in parental validation. This is not to suggest that I have never gone against my parent’s wishes or suggestions. My life is a long list of going against the grain.

But nonetheless I’d be lying if I said that I prefer to receive my parent’s approval. I do.

I suppose that what makes me think of this is because as a father I see my own children seeking my own approval. They’re always asking me to watch them do something. “Abba, come see what I can do!” “Abba, look at this!” It really is nice. They make me smile.

I love my children. Sometimes it is tough to keep up with them. They have endless amounts of energy and I’d be lying if I said that sometimes it is hard to look at every little thing they do. So every now and then I slip out of father mode and back into the son.

And then I remember how it feels and I am rejuvenated. It is my wish that I always remember to give them the time they deserve even when I am tired. They deserve it.