Birthday - A Special Day

Birthday is one of the special days of the entire year and most of the people eagerly wait for it. On birthdays we receive special attention along with gifts and blessings. As a kid, we are excited for the birthdays as it gives some liberation. We are allowed to eat chocolates and ice cream without much restriction, or sweets of our choice. Mothers ensure to cook our favourite dishes; fathers fulfill our wishes and most importantly we can go to school with our choice of clothes. All our loved ones ensure that we feel special and try to make us happy in all possible ways. As we grow up the enthusiasm for the birthday decreases and that might be because our choices evolve and a way to look towards life also changes. As a grownup, we look forward to take a resolution on that special day, or short break from our normal routine, plan for a day out or a vacation, or spending some quality time with our family and friends.

Birthday marks the milestone for the completion of one more year. A thought just came across, we are wished ‘Happy Birthday’ because that particular day we were born, and it was the first day for us as a new life on the earth. So, we get warm wishes for that particular day and for the rest of the year. But was it just the first day for us? With the beginning of the life journey for a newborn, it is probably a new beginning for the parents as well and our extended family. But parenthood by itself has its own set of difficulties and learnings, and hence it even marks the new beginning of parenthood.

Parenthood Journey

A mother carries the child in the womb for close to nine months which is a long period, it can be compared to changes in three seasons in a year. During this time, she has to go through a lot of physical and mental changes. The child delivery process itself is painful and it does not stop there, post delivery they go through a lot of unseen and unsaid challenges like sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, hair loss, weight gain etc. In addition to that many a times their mental health is impacted. A recent study shows that 1 out of 10 women go through postpartum depression after childbirth.

Fathers on the other hand, are unable to show their emotions in most situations but are unable to resist their tears and happiness when they hold the child for the first time in their lap. They start the financial planning, educational planning, and lot of other things before even the kid is born. They learn and try out things they have not done before like singing a soothing piece of song to make their child asleep, changing the diapers, making them eat while playing with the toys and the list goes on. They leave behind their aspirations and dreams and focus is completely on the child’s future and needs.

Parents play a crucial role in a child’s life, but there are no courses available which can make them ready for parenthood. Nurturing a life is a skill which can only be learnt by experience and patience, where each day can have a new set of challenges which has to be tackled in its own way. Again, no same rule or tip can be applicable to all the kids which can be noted in a journal. Parents become so engrossed with the child upbringing that they forget about their own wishes and dreams. They do not even realize that they are pushing their limits to balance the work and family and many a time compromising their desires or me time.

Express Gratitude

As parents their life changes in all the dimensions with our birthday. The bundle of joy for them comes with equal responsibilities and challenges. As a child on each birthday marks the completion of the year so it does for the parents for overcoming the challenges for the growth and wellbeing of their children. Don’t you think the significant effort in nurturing the kids should be equally acknowledged and celebrated? Why can’t we wish our parents on our birthday? Despite of all the hardships they go through it does not impact their enthusiasm on their children’s birthdays. They ensure to host the party, make special meals, fulfill the birthday wish, and pray for their long and healthy life.

Wishing parents on children’s birthday should be a common and thoughtful practice. We often forget to express our gratitude to our parents who have given life to us and played a significant role in our growth and development in every phase. Restricting it to Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or Birthday is not enough. The gratitude and respect for them should be within us all the time. Let us practice some traditions where on our birthday plan for some special meals for our parents, give them a thoughtful gift, or plan some quality time and create cherished memories. Do some family gatherings, help them with their work, and make them feel relaxed. Pursue some of their unfulfilled dreams and hobbies or write a note of gratitude. Acknowledge their hardships and make them feel equally special on our birthday. 

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