Parenting

I'm thinking a lot about parenting. How do we decide what is best? Ultimately our "default" parenting method is the way we were raised. that is good and bad depending on the child and the parent and the other parent.

I painted my closet this weekend. I think I did a crappy job. However I did it alone (and it's in a closet). One of the biggest challenges we have as parents is supporting our children when we don't agree with them and when we KNOW they're going to f up.

I think the worst thing we can do as parents is enable our children to be dependant. I am VERY guilty of this. I like having my kids need me. Hell I like to cut Zac's food for him and pick out his clothes (and it's not pretty when he does). Ultimately if he wants to wear black shorts with a black t shirt, we live with that.

I've always been one to push my kids to do different things and try different ways. This is hard for me cause I know often times they'll screw it up and be sad. I think some of the best learning experiences in my life were fixing problems (I have a lot of experience with this). We cannot deny our children this education. Even when I want to.

I have six years between my boys. They have troubles relating but do a great job together. I wish they were closer but really enjoyed each at the time. Ironically I missed so much of Zac's life due to work and Robbie's due to school. I am astounded when they act like me. I always thank Zac for being b0rn cause I never thought I'd like being a Dad. Hell I was bound and determined never to be one.

Now it's my favorite job. And I've had a couple (see previous blog).

I hope I continue to let them f up and they let me f up and neither will get mad.