This
world, which we live in is prone to consistent changes. Nothing in this world
is stagnant whether it relates to changes in technology, changes in customs and
traditions, or norms and values. With time, things that were once unacceptable
become acceptable so people adjust and readjust depending on the needs of the
time. The twenty-first century has brought in many developments and
advancements in technology. Where on one hand, it has made life easier for a
common man it has also made life miserable!
The constantly changing lifestyles and trends have propelled us into a race to earn more so that we can keep up with our competitors. It is a common practice for both the husband and wife to work to make more money. Where once the woman’s main role was to be a homemaker and the man was considered the sole breadwinner it is becoming increasingly common these days for women to step out and take up demanding jobs in the professional world. However, they are still expected to keep performing the duties of a mother and a wife as soon as they step into the threshold of their homes. This dual responsibility causes stress leading to a feeling of resentment towards their spouses when the strain of performing all roles becomes too much. This ultimately results in a relationship devoid of mutual respect, understanding, and communication. The members most affected by this dilemma are the innocent children who look up to their parents as role models in everything they do.
Dr. Kiran found herself in such a
situation after her marriage to Rehan. Rehan holds an executive position in a
high-profile business firm. He has worked strenuously and consistently to
achieve this position thinking it would resolve all financial and other issues.
His wife who is a successful gynecologist and is a rising name in her field
also worked equally hard through her educational and professional career to
achieve this position. They have three children aged 16, 12, and 5. In the
early years of their marriage, they had the support of their parents who took
care of the children so both the adults could pursue their careers unhindered.
The grandparents took turns to look after the children as babies and also
during their kindergarten years fulfilling the children’s needs of love and
security. The couple was young and energetic and had so much support so life at
work and home went on smoothly without causing any major problems.
However since the death of grandparents
one after the other the couple began to face problems with the raising of
children. The children themselves demanded quality time from their parents and
regarding their emotional as well as educational needs. The parents who were
both at the top of their fields of work; however, in the pursuance of their
careers found it difficult to cater to their children’s needs. Stress from work
did not leave them with enough energy and peace f mind to listen to their
children and resolve their issues.
Huzaifa the eldest of the siblings was
sixteen years old and was great support for his sister Sara and younger brother
Ali after the death of their grandparents. The three children often shared any
troubles they had and tried to resolve them as they saw that the parents were
hardly ever home and when they were there they were too stressed to allow for
any intimate conversations or sharing of problems. The communication gap
between the parents and children widened. The parents worked day and night to
give the best of life to their children but missed what was most valued by
their children; their time.
Huzaifa recently fell into trouble with
a gang of bullies. He usually kept away from such trouble makers and it was not
his intention to get into trouble with them. It so happened that one of his
friends had an exchange of words with the gang who instantly pounced upon him
to beat him up. Huzaifa immediately reported this to a faculty member who
stopped the quarrel and the gang of boys was punished.
The gang found out that it was Huzaifa
who had reported the incident to the school authorities. They began to abuse
and mistreat him in various ways mostly after school and outside the school
premises. He was badly beaten up on a few occasions and made up the excuse of
falling off his bike when inquired by the family. The gang warned that if he
reported this to anyone they would harm his sister in some way. He became
afraid of sharing this with Sara as she might do something that would endanger
her too, in fact, he tried his best to keep away from her so she would not
notice anything.
This kept on for some time and at times
Huzaifa thought of sharing this with his parents but the communication gap that
had developed and deepened could not be bridged so easily. Huzaifa developed
severe anxiety and eventually depression as he could not find any solution to
his problem. As the incidents were not happening at school therefore he found
it difficult to report them to his teachers moreover the fear that something
would happen to his sister kept his lips sealed.
He lost interest in his studies and his
grades fell but no one seemed bothered or if they were they did not ask what
was troubling him and merely advised him to pay more attention to his studies.
