Interview with Grandparents
Parenting Styles Over the Generations
Kelsey M. Zarlenga
Towson University
The concept of marriage has changed over the years, the definition has not. When interviewing Dante (sr.) and Joanne Zarlenga, both had much to say on the topic. Dante, a retired engineer, navy man, and company owner, said “I feel as though the sanctity of marriage has diminished over the years.” With this being said, the definition of marriage is the formal union of two persons, recognized by the law and oftentimes the church. The concept of marriage has radically changed. In the days when Dante and Joanne were married, 60+ years ago, marriage was the ultimate form of commitment, meant to last a lifetime. In today’s society, marriage is simply another level of commitment, ready to be terminated at one’s wish. Parenthood is often considered the most difficult journey in the life of a person. When one becomes a parent, whether or not it is within marriage, he/she becomes responsible for the life of another. Joanne said, in a humorous way, “I think the most difficult aspect of parenthood is giving birth…..your father might have been the most painful.” Dante then interrupted by saying, “there are many ups and downs about parenthood, but a good parent never quits.” These are words to live by. The sheer concept of being responsible for the life of another person is difficult and often terrifying, but watching that child blossom that makes parenthood so fulfilling and rewarding.
By anyone’s standards, there are many rewarding aspects of parenthood. As Joanne stated, “it’s hard to pinpoint one moment of parenthood that has been the ‘most’ rewarding.” She continued by saying, “from the moment my first child was born to the moment I take my last breathe, that is the most rewarding part of parenthood.” This statement says so much. Joanne is simply stating that every aspect of parenthood is rewarding, not just one particular moment. “There are so many things to be proud of my children for.
Kelsey M. Zarlenga
Towson University
The concept of marriage has changed over the years, the definition has not. When interviewing Dante (sr.) and Joanne Zarlenga, both had much to say on the topic. Dante, a retired engineer, navy man, and company owner, said “I feel as though the sanctity of marriage has diminished over the years.” With this being said, the definition of marriage is the formal union of two persons, recognized by the law and oftentimes the church. The concept of marriage has radically changed. In the days when Dante and Joanne were married, 60+ years ago, marriage was the ultimate form of commitment, meant to last a lifetime. In today’s society, marriage is simply another level of commitment, ready to be terminated at one’s wish. Parenthood is often considered the most difficult journey in the life of a person. When one becomes a parent, whether or not it is within marriage, he/she becomes responsible for the life of another. Joanne said, in a humorous way, “I think the most difficult aspect of parenthood is giving birth…..your father might have been the most painful.” Dante then interrupted by saying, “there are many ups and downs about parenthood, but a good parent never quits.” These are words to live by. The sheer concept of being responsible for the life of another person is difficult and often terrifying, but watching that child blossom that makes parenthood so fulfilling and rewarding.
By anyone’s standards, there are many rewarding aspects of parenthood. As Joanne stated, “it’s hard to pinpoint one moment of parenthood that has been the ‘most’ rewarding.” She continued by saying, “from the moment my first child was born to the moment I take my last breathe, that is the most rewarding part of parenthood.” This statement says so much. Joanne is simply stating that every aspect of parenthood is rewarding, not just one particular moment. “There are so many things to be proud of my children for.