Privilege is a loaded word
Often in discussions heard
Just by virtue of being mentioned
This word creates a division
Between the haves and the have-nots
Separates people into two lots…
**
On self-examination, however, it is hard
To know of which group you are a part
Privilege is a moving target, it appears
As the social ladder climbed by you or your peers
Especially, how do you judge if privilege extends
To the ones you love most, your previous children?
*
A group of parents professionally well- qualified
Was asked if as privileged they identified
Their children- and if so, was this in some way
A negative thing that could their upbringing sway
Into a lack of drive, boredom and a sense of entitlement-
Of course the question raised powerful sentiments
*
The question made me pause and think
Are privilege (or lack of) and strength of character linked?
We work hard to provide our children all comforts material
But do we make them too weak to face the world real?
Their success we ardently desire
Yet sometimes our efforts backfire
*
Like everything else in parenting there must be
A sweet spot, a middle ground, definitely
Where privilege and deprivation collide
And children have interactions on each side
That Holy Grail I shall try to find
So that my child grows up sensible and kind….
*
The mantra should be to live with a humble attitude
And accept privilege with gratitude…
Passion...unbridled 