|
It is often said that no man can live alone. Some refute that and say a solitary existence is not unnatural. In today’s world, being isolated is part of our reality. Technology has ensured this, but the family structure still holds sway. Parents, siblings and other close relatives form the material of the fabric that our lives are fashioned from. But, the threads are fraying fast. Most readers who responded to today’s debate held this opinion but were extremely saddened by it. A few feel that the fight is not yet over. We present their viewpoints.
The middle class family structure is falling apart from the pressure of a modern lifestyle.
Yes I think so. I think because of the fast-paced life and the lifestyle we are leading, parents are making an extra effort and are working more than before. They put extra hours at the office every day, which affects family relationships. Also, many people who work abroad leave their families back home and don’t get to see their children grow. This also puts pressure on families.
Basit Malik
Dubai
It depends on the individuals and families. Many want to lead a certain lifestyle, so you find they are busy trying to achieve that. Most of the time parents are at work and don’t see their children as much. Take me for example. I work in Dubai but I am from Abu Dhabi. By the time I reach home, I am tired. I only get to see my family for two hours and then go to sleep.
Saeed Al Nofali
Abu Dhabi
Yes, I think so, because people are now worried about maintaining a certain lifestyle, they worry about different issues. Overall parents are busy and there is no supervision over the children. Parents don’t have time to spend with their children. I see my child in the morning and by the time we reach home and he comes back home with me, he’s half asleep.
Abdullah Al Zahri
Ajman
I think parents don’t have time these days to spend with their children. I do not spend enough time with mine because of life’s demands. I want my child to know me the way I knew my father, but there is no time for that. A one-day weekend does not help.
Jacob Chacko
Sharjah
Cost of living is creating an “angry parenting style”.
Definitely that’s true. There is more pressure on families these days to provide for their children and it is becoming too hard to do that. Also, family relations and communication are not as strong as they used to be, so parents are
becoming stricter.
Nancy Hanna
Sharjah
Yes, of course parents are becoming angrier. Parents have more responsibilities and the pressure on them to provide for their children a certain lifestyle is also increasing. Don’t forget that the older the parents are, the more restless they become and pressured.
Anas Barbarawi
Dubai
Yes that is true. Parents now have so many responsibilities and are burdened with providing the best for their children. The cost of living is high and they are stressed. In the end, many cannot separate themselves from work and bring all the frustration home, which affects the way they deal with their children.
Abby Abendan
Dubai
I think parents are generally stressed and frustrated. With the introduction of technology, employers are demanding more work from their employees, which puts them under a lot of pressure. As a result, when parents go home, sometimes they take all their stress out on their children. Taking care of the children is more important than making money, but there are big demands on people and they need to meet them.
Bob Jarmson
Dubai
Strong family bonds are still the norm in the UAE.
I think that is true in too many cases, but in the end it depends on the families. I think the best way to strengthen family bonds is when the father and the mother ensure that they are always there for their children. However, some of the unfortunate things that happen that affect family bonds is when, for example, one of the children gets married and does not keep in touch with his or her family. So it really depends on each person.
Nassar Nujurally
Dubai
I don’t think family bonds have weakened, despite that life has become difficult due to the many responsibilities parents have and the hectic working hours. I think, however, that it depends on each family.
Lydia Fadel
Dubai
I think so, because if you think about it, parents are always outside the house working and do not have time to sit with their children. I think the government can do something to help those who do not make enough money, which will give these parents a chance to spend more time with their children.
Daisy Rogadr
Dubai
I don’t think so. Parents are busy working and family bonds are not really as strong. There is no free time for families to get together, even during weekends. Many have one-day weekends and that is not really enough to bond with your children. I think all companies should get
two-day weekends the way it is in other
countries. That would help.
Sanaz Borhani
Dubai
Send us your comments
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Gulf News may edit comments for length and clarity but will not change the tone of the message. Comments will only be accepted all if fields (including name) are filled correctly and the message isn't abusive, defamatory or offensive. The Gulf News website will only print your first name along with your comment. Please state in the message if you wish to remain anonymous. All comments sent may be forwarded for use in the Gulf News newspaper.
|
