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 parent’s 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 because this need is not being met with.
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 birthday or simply a warm expression of love. It helps cement the relationship and builds harmony at home.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
