A question asked by so many people, I really wonder what sort of answer they expect!
Let's face it, we all dream of the gurgling, giggling, bouncy bundles of joy that they are but if we are truly honest, it must be one of the most worrying developments of our adult lives. But never fear....... If I can get through the trials and tribulations, then anyone can!
Here's my story..........
I became a parent living in Scunthorpe when I was 25 years old and after my initial excitement of becoming a dad, it wasn't too long before the worries started.
"Was it fair of me to bring a child into a society that seemed so cruel at times?"
"Life has changed so much since I was a child, what hope is there for our children?"
"How are we to protect our children against crime & poverty?"
These were just some of the questions that worried me and have probably troubled may other parents too.
From the age of 2 years, I was raised on a remote Lincolnshire farm. Most of my childhood was spent growing up in a 'Natural Environment' which taught me how to fully appreciate what life offered. I learnt about how the changing seasons affected every part of our lives. The weeks running up to Winter was spent ensuring we had copious supplies of fuel (Coal & Logs) and food (Vegetables & Non Perishables) because we knew that when Winter came, we were 'cut off' from all towns and villages and it could be for weeks at a time! As children we also learnt of the dangers of farm machinery but at the same time became 'helping hands' when it was Harvest time or when the fields needed ploughing ready for the next seasons crops. We also helped when it came to feeding and caring for the herd of cows, ensuring there was plenty of dry straw bedding for their sheds for those cold winter months.
Looking back, the foundation of my worries should have been expected but I didn't really know what it was like to live in an urban area with bricks and mortar surrounding you, with so many people and unfamiliar faces passing you by without a spoken word. It almost felt as though everyone was 'missing out' of what life was truly about. After a few months of living in Scunthorpe, I then realised that it could be 'Me' that was 'missing out'. I was introduced to computers and IT, to the convenience of shops and community services, and it wasn't long before my 'worries' turned into a brand new chapter of my life. A journey of self discovery had started and it was exciting to say the least.
Reflecting back over my life has made me realise how Important it is to be a parent. If it wasn't for me, my children wouldn't be able to experience those feelings of 'change' in their lives, the excitement of 'self discovery' when trying something for the very first time or the satisfaction of making a difference to the lives of others around them. After all..... Who am I to deny others of such wonderful experiences?
So there we have it! That's what it's like for me being a parent! No matter what kind of childhood we were raised in, I'm sure we can all relate to how important it is that our children are given the right to learn, to grow and to experience those wonderful changes that life brings us every day.