Experiences

Entry #4

Guide Questions

1. What insights did you gain, if any, from learning about how your parents/guardians were raised?
2. Among Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which stage does your “most memorable story” seem to fall under?
3. What insights, if any, does this give you about your own, personal development?

Her story

My aunt, my mother’s sister, did not grow up within a rich family. They were not completely poor, but they lived a simple life. Her whole family worked hard just to make sure that all four daughters finished their education so to have a better life

In my younger years, I would have the luxury of time to do hobbies I loved while she would have to go home immediately to help out at the tindahan. Her mother was tough, not allowing any of her daughters to slack off and skip out on helping out with the tindahan or there would be a good whacking later. Coupled with interactions with strangers through the tindahan, her environment allowed her to grow up to a strong, sensible woman.

My story

Before now, I didn’t really interact with my aunt as much as I lived in Singapore. I would still meet her occasionally when both our families visited the Philippines, and there she experienced my antics. The most memorable thing I did when my aunt was around was when I was toddler.

One time, I was told to sit on the sofa and not leave my spot. I quickly obeyed, jumping into position and sat quietly. But just a few seconds later, especially once the adults were not paying attention, my younger self ran around the living room again. My aunt found it funny.

As according to Erik Erikson, the preschool-age is when children start to develop their sense of purpose, responsibility, and self-regulation. My aunt didn’t really scold me then and even found it amusing till this day, showing a more positive mindset regarding the matter.

Although this is not a good example of myself developing the positive outcomes of psychosocial development immediately, it shows how much I’ve grown up from not being able to sit quietly for a minute to be able to pay attention to a full hour lecture. I do note that the way I was raised was more closed than of my aunt’s, especially since I was the first-born child that my parents had doted over. Eventually, my mother, like my grandmother, made sure I worked hard and did not let me go to slack.

Others may be affected by negative experiences in their childhood and as a result, neglect their own children as well. Fortunately, I was blessed with a good family who cared a lot for each other and thus was raised well.