Farshid Jalalvand: Are you approaching 50? Then you might soon have a new personality
The author reflects on the dramatic changes in his son's personality and physical appearance as he approaches adolescence.
In this opinion piece, the writer, Farshid Jalalvand, discusses the transformative changes he has observed in his son as he approaches his teenage years. Recently, he has noticed a distinct shift not only in his son's voice but also in his demeanor, marking the onset of adolescence. The writer recalls fond memories of his son at different ages, from a lively toddler full of enthusiasm to a nervous ten-year-old on his first day at a new school.
As Jalalvand reflects on these memories, he contemplates the rapid physical growth his son has undergone—growing taller and developing facial hair—while also recognizing that adolescence brings a significant evolution in personality. This metamorphosis seems to surprise the author, who is struck by the contrast between the boy he once knew and the emerging young man before him.
The piece delves into the emotional complexities surrounding parenthood and the changes that come with it. Jalalvand suggests that as children grow, they not only change in appearance but also in their outlook and personality, leading parents to grapple with their own feelings as they watch their children evolve into new versions of themselves.