The Highest ROI of Parenting

Certain conversations inside the head finally met its trigger for them to finally be delivered into a writing. A post from Humans of New York was the one who did the job.

I never know how Brandon has always been successful to create a story in a short instagram post yet could give huge effect for its readers.

For the countless time, I rarely envy anyone, except those who write so well.

The caption above says a lot about one of the indicators of highly successful parenting, in my opinion.

One of the highest ROI (return of investment) of successful parenting is when the children voluntarily involve you in their daily life when they’re adults.

The period when they no longer ‘need’ you to navigate their own life, yet they still include you in their daily life, no matter the distance which set you apart.

I am not talking about the occasional holiday together or the monthly visit. It’s good, of course, but, having the kids talk to you, tell you about everything like they’re still living under the same roof with you, I think that is one of the highest achievements one can have in life.

Just like any other great work, there’s nothing easy about it. The father above decided that not his job, not his career, but his family, that he put on the top of his priorities for 30 years. To be able to stick with such decisions is not something that everyone can do. Only one with clear goals and visions who understands what matters the most can do such a thing. It takes a huge leap of faith to keep doing what you believe despite everything life throws.

This is why parenting is a long game. The result is not what you see right now. The result won’t come immediately like some money you earn after a month of hard work. It’s not when the kids behave nicely. Not when she wins any competitions, delivers good results, or any tangible and measurable things that society could label you as a good parent.

The long years of sowing could be so tricky. There were times when it might feel so unrewarding. But, when you really believe in something, you just have to keep going.

It’s even hard to be successfully raised one, because you might be successful with one of your kids, but not really doing as good with the others, yet he did a great job with three!

The actual result of truly successful parenting is something that will come 20-30 years down the line, and it’s not something that everyone can see, but only can be felt at heart by both parent and the child. When both can talk comfortably and respect each other like they are equal. This is why I think, one of the endgame of parenting goals that we should aim is : raising an adult that will gain your trust and respect.

After all, we could only do our best when raising the children. The results are too hard to be predicted. Life rarely happens in one straight line curve. Too many unpredictable things could happen that might not guarantee what kind of result you will get or expect, despite all the efforts you pour into.

But still, no reason not to give your best bet on this. It’s one of the things in life that is worth your time doing it.