Teenage Fantasy
When your imagination and reality collide.
“You’ll become a parent one day and eventually you’ll understand us.”- this is such a widespread phrase among our beloved Armenian parents. We hear that in every possible situation under any circumstances.
Does that bother us? Hell YES.
No doubt Armenian parents are the BESTEST that we could ask for, but sometimes, no maybe usually, they are too MUCH.
I mean I do understand everything, but things get much harder when you get older.
“Love” is another fantasy when it comes to our dear Armenian parents — sometimes you can even drown in it.
Armenian parents are very protective with their nature. Sweetest, caring, loving, thoughtful…and all those words aren’t even enough. Family is a sacred place for all Armenians. Every Armenian strives to have a strong family because it’s the true essence of happiness. We have a unique perception on the basis of what values the traditional Armenian family should be built. The unique value system that we have is shaped from our age-old culture, traditions, and customs. And for decades, all those factors have guided Armenian parents to bring up their children.
In different parts of the world, family structures and relations have various forms. Cohesion is a key element in the Armenian families. Most young people living in Armenia have a very strong bond with their parents. And that’s actually fantastic. But let’s take this opportunity to find out “why”.
It’s very common in the Armenian society to live with your parents. Even if you’re an adult, separating from your family isn’t encouraged. Sometimes, young married couples live with their families where there are representatives of different generations. They all live head to head on a few square meters and it’s an absolutely normal phenomenon in the Armenian society.
Sometimes Armenian parents are in total control of everything that their children do. They discipline their children’s behavior, monitor their whereabouts, and oversee their social life. Armenian parents who think that this way they push their children to achieve newer heights. Just let me disappoint you because your children will be more enclosed in themselves, and lack the capacity to make a decision. So you make your children with your own hands constantly depend on you at different stages of life.
In most Armenian families, parents have a significant financial role. They literally pay for every aspect of their children’s lives — education, marriage, and many other important events. No doubt having supportive parents is a real blessing. You can easily rely on them in your tough times. However, these contributions are likely considered to be helpful. They really prevent the young generation from being self-organized.
It’s not like that we don’t want to act and live independently. It’s more that usually we don’t have that chance in the Armenian household. And actually I don’t know if it’s a good thing to keep your child always in your arms like Armenian parents do.
I feel like we’re still newborns and that’s pathetic, right?
Throughout the periods of personal development we all basically face the same life issues such as how to be an adult, how to act like an adult, and how to survive an adulthood.
However it seems that Armenian parents don’t really understand that though they’ve already passed this stage before. They are literally involved in every aspect of their children’s lives. And that’s absolutely chaotic.
Have you ever thought that your child needs FREEDOM?
We as human beings face many difficulties and it’s important for each of us to achieve harmony with ourselves. And it’s not that we don’t appreciate what our parents do for us. But the thing is that we need to repair what’s broken on our own. We have to build our individuality to understand our strengths and weaknesses. This is a necessary step for each of us to be more self-aware. Because at some point, we will also become parents and be responsible for someone else’s life. In another way, we should be ready to motivate our children and encourage them to have healthy self-esteem and expressions of personality. No one wants to feel like a failure as a parent. For that reason, I ask Armenian parents to let their children be themselves, make decisions on their own, invest in their unique interests and talents and just live the way they really want.
“Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.”- Brad Henry
Every parent will do the impossibly possible for their children, even if it takes a lifetime from them. All the habits and manners you incorporate come only from your families. They teach you how to be a better person even if you haven’t realized it yet. Family is the only support that you’ll never have to pay for. Unfortunately, only very few people understand their parent’s struggle. Instead of taking the lead in their own hands and making a valuable change in their lives, many don’t even miss the chance to blame their parents for not having that “enough”. But just wait, stop for a moment and think. Comparing your life to others is always a losing proposition. There will always be people that will seem having a “better life” and more attractive lifestyle. You shouldn’t be harsh on your parents for what you have. Instead just be more grateful and the universe will answer you back with the same positive energy. Your parents are and will always be there for you, protect you no matter what, and love you unconditionally. Trust me your sad colors reflect on them more than you can imagine. Families are the pillars of your strength. They give you the courage to face the world. I hope you remember this, and I hope you’ll understand how much your parents want you to be healthy and happy. Family is life’s greatest blessing.
P.S I love you mom and dad ❤
