A few days ago, I had the thought to blog about parenting styles. More to the point, I've been thinking how great my kids have turned out--and taking all the credit. So, I began writing about this, and kept getting nagged by the little thought, "Jenny, you're full of crap!" Well, that was unsettling, so I wrestled with it, tried to put my oh-so-noble thoughts about the 'right' way to raise kids into words, but it was no use...I just couldn't bring myself to push the 'publish' button.
It's certainly true that I tried my best, that I'm pretty opinionated about certain aspects of parenting...but in writing about any of that, I just keep thinking about my kids, who they are, and how amazing they are. When a baby is born, she/he is a complete, albeit very young, human being. The baby already has a spirit and a personality completely separate from either parent. Sure, we contribute something, but basic arithmetic does not apply. A human being is so much more than egg + sperm. So, we do our best...which sometimes is dead-on exactly right, sometimes horribly wrong. In the end, this young person grows, develops and lives his/her own life...completely independent of the parents.
I'm not trying to undervalue my or any other parent's role...but I guess that just isn't what I want to say today. Instead, I want to say how very thankful I am for the opportunity these past 25 years have brought me; to have four incredible people in my life. They are unique, each choosing a different path. We agree about some things, disagree about others. Yet under all that is mutual respect, love and acceptance. I couldn't ask for anything more from a family.
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Thanks mom :)
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