Many people recognize that a part of their life is being in service to someone or something. To serve is “to perform duties or services for”. The question here is for parents “Is parenthood an act of love or duty?”, “Is it performing service or obligation?”

Dr. Seuss famously said, “Sometimes the questions are complicated, and the answers are simple.” So, let’s unravel this complicated question!

The Love Connection 

Nobody can deny that love is the glue that holds parenthood together. Truly, it is a magical feeling when you hold your baby for the first time. That’s love in its purest form. Ever heard of oxytocin? It’s the “love hormone.” When you cuddle your baby, your body releases a boatload of oxytocin.

Parental love should help children thrive and nurture the development of their individual personalities. Some parents worry that disagreeing or setting limits on their children will come across as unloving. However, setting boundaries is often in a child’s best interests, even if this means them protesting or feeling upset about it.

Performing Service- The Duty Side 

People generally believe that parents have an obligation to protect and care for their children. This belief is found across cultures.  Many theories propose that parents have a direct influence over how their offspring turn out. If their kids turn out well it’s attributable to them; otherwise, it falls on them negatively. It’s like signing a lifelong contract with responsibilities.

Parenting can often be seen as a difficult, never-ending balancing act, with parents seeking to meet both immediate needs of children while supporting their development as individuals. At times this process may become challenging or frustrating and lead to feelings of resentment from both parties involved.

The Science Behind These Emotions

Why performing duty is instilled in parents? Researchers found that there’s a part of the brain known as the “responsibility center.” It lights up like a Christmas tree when parents tend to their child’s needs. So, in a way, our brains are wired for duty!

Love vs. Duty: A Never-Ending Debate

Aristotle wisely spoke, “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” Parenthood is dancing between the realms of love and duty like that single soul split between you and your child,

Women nurture their children to shape healthy young minds and train them to be well-mannered adults in order to acquire good jobs or business. This further it in the development of the country. It is a manner of service for a greater cause. Indeed, it is their passion and affection towards their children to do so and not just a duty or an obligation.

Thus, love and duty aren’t two separate entities. They’re intertwined in the beautiful symphony of parenthood. Love fuels your duty, and duty deepens your love. It’s like a tag-team match where both partners are equally essential.

Parenting is Performing Service

Parents provide children with the foundations needed for successful lives and are accountable for guiding their development into adulthood. They instill values and beliefs in their offspring that will remain with them throughout their lifespan.

When you’re a parent, you’re essentially a 24/7 service provider. Diaper changer, meal maker, bedtime story reader; you’re a one-person catering service, and your tiny client is incredibly demanding! Performing service in parenthood isn’t a chore; it’s a labor of love. Sure, you might lose a few hours of sleep, and your coffee might turn cold, but there’s a unique joy in serving your child. Mr. Rogers, once said, “Life is for service.” Indeed, parenthood embodies this sentiment perfectly. Your life is now a service to your child, and it’s a beautiful journey filled with laughter, tears, and a whole lot of baby wipes.

We are better people when we understand that serving someone (our children) with passion is nobler than doing it out of obligation. One can never run from service whether be it your boss, your spouse, your children or your country. Science tells us that acts of service can boost our happiness. When you serve someone you love, like your child, your brain releases feel-good chemicals like serotonin.

Conclusion

In the end, there’s no need to choose between love and duty in parenthood. It’s a package deal, like a combo meal at your favorite fast-food joint. Maya Angelou truly said: “I sustain myself with the love of family.”

Parenthood is the embodiment of performing service, where love and, duty keep them going. Keep juggling those responsibilities, serving with a smile, and loving with all your heart. Your children will always be grateful towards you. Indeed,

Serve, and one day you will be served for.