Spectator parenting

I belong to the expatriated working class. Both parents used to work to provide their kids with everything they need from birth till they're done with at least their first university degree. Looking back at their achievements, I can't help but stand in awe to the amount of effort they have invested in the future of their children

My mother used to work, which means. She didn't have much time during the day to have coffee with the neighbors and finely detail and polish pieces of useless crystal most of our neighbors had on display in their Salons. After work, her time was split between preparing classes, marking papers, updating her teacher's notes, taking care of the house, taking care of us and yes, pursuing her higher education. Which she eventually earned, two masters degrees in education, and social studies.

All of this couldn't have been possible if it wasn't for the great tyrant of the house. My father had the temper of Genghis khan. We used to call him, Hulagu (after the ruthless Monghol Khan who destroyed Baghdad).

Don't let the previous paragraph mislead you. My father used to be the one waking us up in the morning. Prepare our breakfast, and associated sandwich. Makes sure that we're ready to go to school and that everything we need is with us.

He would get home before my mother has arrived, and would prepare lunch for us. By the time my mother is home lunch would be ready and served for everyone.

I remember him spending nights helping us with our school work. I don't remember that there was a single book that wasn't laminated by my father in the whole house. I also don't recall a single scholastic event where my father wasn't in the first raw. I remember the countless cups of tea that he used to bring all of us when we would be studying. How he would take time off to take us to the doctor.

He was very involved with what his kids did. Not just spectating

My -working- mother couldn't have done all of this without an involved and very helpful partner. He always held himself to a higher degree of discipline, and although we used to all fear my father when he would get mad at us or shout. We all grew to be appreciative of the man who played  a genuine role in shaping our very existence.

My father was always a progressive person, liberal, passionate and made sure all of these futuristic traits were instilled in all of us. He wouldn't allow the greatest years of his children's life pass him by. He encouraged every single one of us to achieve what ever we could achieve. Never forcing us to follow his wishes. He never forced my sisters to get veiled for example. Or even my mother. He enjoyed being the father, who is involved, loved and helped every single one of us achieve their goals, including my mother.

There are many parents these days that barely know their children's age. Or their favorite video game, or their preferred cartoon. These parents are missing out on so much and if anything they are forcing their wives to shoulder a lot more borden than they should, forcing the wives to detest the conditions and in many cases rebelling completely shattering the base of the family that once was so sacred.

Here's to all great, non-spectating parents... We owe you! My dream is to one day, be just like you. A true parent, loving, involved and passionate.

My father still helps my mother around the house, he is the person in charge of making the tea for all his children and grand children. He's still the same person, he just added to his audience a bunch of grand children that he, wakes up in the morning, makes sure they had their breakfast, sends them off to school, and takes them to doctors.