Yeh Kaisa Family Hai?
(Roughly translated as “What kind of family is this?”)
Let us recreate some fun-filled, truths and half truths, situations and experiences that are part of every family. All in jest, no offence meant to mothers, fathers, siblings , aunts and uncles and acquired relations. So here is a motley collection of Q and As, not all my own. Some from my friends and their families across regions and countries, and a few from books and stories.
Why do sisters get along better than brothers?
Because bonds between sisters tend to be the strongest of all sibling relationships, according to researchers. It’s because women are better at expressing their emotions, sitting past midnight with “Gossippy”stories, doing an FBI on anything and everything under the moon. Brothers? They are waiting to grab the next snack and fight for the remote as that’s the ultimate power-pack.
Why do children prefer to talk to the father about serious stuff but run to the mother for advice on everything else?
Because dads have been there and done that. Stay home moms were not considered world wise (sorry”), while dad’s practical experience in corporate life makes him “cool” and he is able to offer solutions that children find useful. Mom’s the one for emotional crying on the shoulder, sharing personal secrets, offering support, and much welcome pocket money.
Why does the mother-in-law/ daughter-in-law relationship remain one of the most awkward topics of discussions universally?
Because it’s one of those traditions that is universal and today’s D-in-L is tomorrow’s ……..…. and rare is the husband who does not forget to remind his wife that his mother was a better cook. There must be some truth when people refer to “ Pillow Talk” as much more than conversations between pillows. However, in some Western countries, the son-in-law / mother-in-law relationship is the butt of a number of jokes.
Why do parents think their children’s problems are nothing compared to what they went through?
Because they feel they did not get the opportunities that today’s kids have, and the hardships they went through. The experiences of their generation make them feel that smartphones, the internet and AI have made life a piece of cake. Everything today seems “easy” by comparison. They are sometimes unable to understand or appreciate the social and emotional pressures that youngsters of today face.
Why do siblings always argue about who’s the favourite?
Because, sisters and brothers conjure up these feelings from the situations they face. Maybe it’s also the fault of parents at times. Siblings going to the same school also resent the comparison that teachers make. Children are much smarter than the credit we give them. Sibling rivalry is like a chess game where one makes a move that provokes and the other makes the Queen mother move. In the final analysis,it is as much a connection as competition. And when they become adults? No answer.
Why do grandchildren think their grandparents are the bestest people?
Because, grandparents and grandchildren occupy a unique space in each other’s hearts, offering unconditional love. There is no fixed bed time as with parents and their stories are drawn from rich cultural and historical text. Extra desserts are no problem, sugar high is not an issue. Children are full of admiration for grandpa’s math knowledge and grandma’s patience and indulgence. Their innocence can be revealing, hilarious or worrying. One example: “Grandma, why do mummy and daddy fight so much?”. This relationship cannot really be defined, only admired.
Why does every family have that one uncle or aunt who always brings up politics at dinner?
Because relatives generally feel they have to make their presence felt and politics is the easiest way to get everyone to agree on how life would have been better without so much Government and legislative interference. The upside of aunties and uncles is the gossip they leave behind for us. But, relatives often share some wonderful family stories and help you connect with experiences across generations.
Why do kids never understand why their parents need a “break” once in a while?
Because, the idea of a “break” seems weird when you’re living in a world full of toys, snacks, games and endless fun. Break means food and sleep, not going to work, paying bills or managing the house. No responsibilities is the name of their game. Kids live one moment to another, and laughing and crying is their whole life. For parents, this gap in understanding makes it perplexing and tiring as emotions and practicalities clash.
Why do dads never want to ask for directions while driving, even when they’re hopelessly lost?
Because asking for directions is a sign of weakness, and dad’s wisdom doesn’t allow him to appreciate that they are lost, even if it means that they have seen the same clock tower five times over and in his mind they are close to where they should be. Mother and children are silently giggling away while dad insists he knows where he is. Really an ego thing. All this before google and maps, as the google lady never gets angry and often tells you to take a “U” turn.
Why do mothers always know when their kids are up to something, even without saying a word?
Because mothers know. Sixth sense. I know better than anyone else.
I am going to end this one with one of my favourite P.G. Wodehouse gems from “Ring for Jeeves”, the only Jeeves book without Bertie Wooster.*
“Which is bigger, Capt. Biggar or Mrs. Biggar?
Mrs. Biggar, because she became Biggar”!!!
“Which is bigger, Capt. Biggar or Master Biggar?”
Master Biggar because he is just a little Biggar”!!!
*Extracted from Google search
Why this?
Because, a) it is P. G. Wodehouse and b),even a name can be as funny as family can be.
Finally, I must share with you one favourite comeback. When someone introduces someone as the sister of someone — “ Ah, real sister”?. My belief in ghosts and aliens is for real and now reinforced. After all, what kind of family would we be without these charming oddities?”
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By
Mr V Krishnan
Covai S3 Retirement Community