IT MAGAZINE - JUNE ISSUE | Page 19

Q U A R A N T I N E S T O R I E S Miracles of Quarantine: A parent’s perspective An article by: ZAMAN, Marzia Parenting is not only the most gratifying phase of one’s life but also the most challenging period of a lifetime. It is pleasant as it gives us opportunities to nurture our little ones and observe different phases when they turn into adults. It is challenging because we are raising entirely different human beings who might have come through us but are completely different from us. My parenting philosophy is deeply rooted in Khalil Gibran’s quote: “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, and though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.” - Khalil Gibran Parenting might have become more challenging for many of us during this pandemic as life has drastically changed in the past few weeks. Life used to be so busy and bustling that we hardly had time to see the miracles of small things. We have become a part of a surreal life which is only focused on external affairs rather than eternal happiness. We tend to be perfect outside despite having sadness deep down in our heart. It is rather arguable whether COVID-19 is a blessing in disguise as we have our own way of comprehending situations. The pandemic is certainly a catastrophe, yet it has given me ample of time to think and reflect on many aspects; and has given me the prospect to improve myself as a person and as a parent. I would like to share my thoughts which I have recently experienced Allow children to be themselves: I regret to say that I used to plan and outline every possible engagement for my children without acknowledging their interests. From extra-curricular IT Magazine / June Issue 17