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The rules our parents gave us, are the rules we gave our kids.

The rules our parents gave us, are the rules we gave our kids.

Dear moms/dads of the world,

Making paper boats, jumping in puddles without falling ill and being ecstatic with the simple things in life are how I remember growing up. Of course, during those years everything came with a time limit and a rule, which is what this post is about. 

A few years ago, I stumbled upon an interesting sheet of paper. At first glance, I thought it was some random handwritten note. When curiosity kicked in, I realised my past was staring back at me. Just like the Ten Commandments, there I was, holding this note with rules for my sisters and me, from our childhood.

One set for regular school days, one for exam time and another for our vacations. As I read through the various rules, I felt a mix of emotions surge through me. There was laughter, some shuddering and some nostalgia but most of all, there was comparing!

Mother’s rules for us kids:

On regular school days:

  • One hour for homework between 4.30 and 5.30 pm
  • One hour for playing after homework
  • Television/Video games for 30 minutes under supervision
  • No sleepovers or friends visiting during the week
  • At least one hour allotted to studies over the weekends

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During exams:

  • One day for combined studies
  • Study for an hour early morning and two hours in the evening (if it is a half day)
  • One hour for tuition
  • No electronics till the exams are done (Only music was allowed)
  • One hour for playing and physical activity

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During summer holidays:

  • Studies for one hour a day compulsory
  • Any form of sport to be taken up till school starts
  • Swimming every weekend with the family
  • Sleepovers with cousins allowed
  • Friends are allowed to visit/sleepover
  • Time allotted to finish projects, reports etc. for school

My rules for my kids:

On regular school days:

  • One hour for homework after school
  • One hour tuition over the weekends
  • One hour for physical activity/playtime
  • An hour to an hour and a half with electronics
  • Occasional sleepover Friday-Saturday nights
  • Friends can come over during play time

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During exams:

  • No combined studies at all
  • Finish all studies every day in the evening
  • One hour tuition every alternate day for math and science
  • 30 minutes with electronics of their choice every alternate day
  • An hour of physical activity or play time depending on what they want to do

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During summer holidays:

  • More time and attention for hobbies
  • 30 minutes of reading
  • Game night with family or friends
  • Sleepover allowed whenever requested
  • Family time – visiting cousins
  • Time allotted to finish projects, reports etc. for school

The biggest comparison, however, revolved around technology! Questions of how to balance time between online and offline activities ran through my mind. It was so much easier than I thought… especially because we had lesser things to distract us.

Eight years into parenthood and the words my mother used to chant every now and then rang in my head.  “You will know how I feel when you have kids of your own!” I would laugh it off before but today I realise that I actually do know the feeling.

Irrespective of whether you are new or old to motherhood, if you have ever noticed how the rules your parents had for you, end up being the rules you have for you little ones, share your story with us!

Love
Pod Parents



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