Bringing up a child can be a very challenging task and sometimes it does require quite a bit of sacrifice. But the child has not seen or known this, as all this often happens backstage behind the scenes. It is actually an act of love and comes very naturally due to the parents’ instinct. But because this love is still mixed with the human elements, it seeks acknowledgement from the child. This is how human love operates that when someone does something for someone, even as an act of love, one feels the need for return in some way, whether in cruder forms such as money and obedience or subtler forms such as appreciation and acknowledgement. It is in all forms of human love. Usually, parents express that this need is not being met.
But yes, it can be burdening to a child since the child begins to feel obliged and does not know how exactly to return, especially if this expression is tagged with expectations. True, parents should not say it as it does burden the child, but equally, it helps if the child simply expresses affection to the parents through simple gestures, a hug, or a card on a birthday, or simply a warm expression of love. It helps cement the relationship and builds harmony at home.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
