It takes a village
Your parents need support, too.
by Marissa Fernandez
It took me almost a week of planning to decide which classes I wanted to take this quarter. Even after I thought I was done, I still changed my mind at the last minute. I’m just that wishy-washy.
My parents have had to deal with my indecisiveness for years now. After much trial and error, they’ve learned to sit patiently while I figure out what color pen to use or what sweatshirt to buy.
Throughout my childhood, my parents could have used a support system for parents of indecisive children. This led me to wonder — what other support groups could Asian parents benefit from? Below are some that may pique your parents’ interest.
For Fitness-Obsessed Parents
Want to avoid seeing red the next time you catch your child playing a video game? Curious about the joys of rest and relaxation? Join a support group for fitness-obsessed parents near you! It’s great for parents who think their children spend all their time lounging on the couch or in bed. Could also be beneficial if you wish your child would start each day by going on a walk, lifting at the gym or both!
For Overly Competitive Parents
Does every conversation you have with other parents involve you bringing up your child’s SAT scores? Or, did you made an Excel sheet to compare your child’s college acceptances to their peers? If any of these describe you, it’s time to try a support group for overly competitive parents! You’ll learn new talking points so you can speak to fellow parents without mentioning your child got into Northwestern. And if that doesn’t help solve your competitive urge, try some new activities, like pickleball or chess, where you can show off your own talents instead of your child’s.
For Academic Warrior Parents
Does your eye twitch when your child asks for a break from studying? Have you ever told your child to ghost their friends so that they can prioritize their education more? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, a support group for academic warrior parents is for you! Here, you’ll practice reciting affirmations like “my child isn’t a failure” and “B’s and C’s get degrees” without wincing. In our second unit, you’ll work through accepting some hard truths: medical school isn’t the only option.
For Helicopter Parents
Do you check your child’s location as frequently as the weather? Does your blood pressure rise whenever you see them anywhere but their dorm after 8 p.m.? Come to a support group meeting for overprotective parents! Learn about other apps you can obsessively check, like the Stocks app or X, formerly known as Twitter. Or, for the truly brave, discover the peace that comes with not knowing where your child is by setting screen time limits on Find My Friends and Life360.