Hello everyone, today I want to talk to you about a topic that seems to be a bit "anti-common sense": never take your parents to you, because that is not filial piety! It may sound surprising, but bear with me as I explain the reasoning behind this point in the most plain language.
Many people believe that filial piety is to take their parents to their side and let them enjoy their old age in peace. This may sound like a true practice, but in fact, this practice is not always appropriate. Let's start with a true story.
Xiao Wang is a young man who works hard in the city, and in order to let his parents spend their old age in peace, he decided to bring his parents to the city. However, what he didn't expect was that after his parents came to the city, life was not as good as he imagined. Changes in their parents' habits, strangeness to their neighbors, and poor adaptation to the urban environment have all made them feel lonely and helpless.
So, why is it not necessarily filial piety to bring your parents to your side? Here are a few reasons I've summarized:
1. Changes in lifestyle habits
After living in the countryside for most of their lives, their parents suddenly moved to the city, and the change in living habits made it difficult for them to adapt. For example, they are used to waking up early and going to bed early, but the pace of life in the city makes them feel uncomfortable. In addition, changes in eating habits, communication styles, etc., may make them feel uncomfortable.
2. Breakdown of social relations
Parents have relatives and friends in their hometown, and they have familiar neighbors. After coming to the city, these relationships broke down and they lost their original social circles. Although we can chat and walk with them, it is not a substitute for the deep bond they have with their old friends.
3. Loneliness
Even if we spend time with our parents every day, they can still feel lonely. Because they have lost their original living environment and circle of friends, communication with us cannot completely replace the interaction with peers.
4. Our stress
Bringing our parents with us means that we have more responsibilities. In addition to taking care of their lives, it is also important to pay attention to their mental health. It's a huge pressure for us.
So, what is true filial piety?
1. Understand your parents' needs
Filial piety is not about blindly giving, but about understanding the needs of parents. They may not need us to take them with them, but they want us to care for and support them spiritually.
2. Respect your parents' choices
Everyone has their own rhythm and habits of life, and parents are no exception. We need to respect their choices, not force changes to their lifestyles.
3. Give parents love
Caring for parents is not only material satisfaction, but also spiritual companionship. We need to learn to listen to them, pay attention to their feelings, and let them feel that we care about them.
4. Inherit family culture
Family culture is the inheritance of a family, and we must learn to inherit the good habits and good morals of our parents, so that they can be comforted spiritually.
In short, filial piety is not simply to receive one's side, but to love, understand and respect one's parents with one's heart. Let's start from now on and interpret true filial piety with action!