Train Up A Child ~

My son is now a parent of two, a role I have cherished since both my own little bundles came into the world. I worked hard over the years to be the best I could be. I researched best parenting practices and stayed abreast of new developments in medicine, safety, nutrition, and education for young children and teens. I felt I was well-informed and capable. I felt Greg and I were good parents.

So why wouldn't my son want to take advantage of all that wonderful experience? After all, Greg and I raised our own children, and they turned out great. Imagine how much help we could be with our new grandchildren!

NO thanks!..B&B are doing a great job, why would we want to interfere?

We want to instill confidence, not our own way of doing things.  ~ I remember the days right after B was born? They were exciting, but a little scary. I wanted to do everything right. Was he gaining enough weight? Was the pacifier going to give him an overbite? Should he learn to walk barefoot or in shoes? Should I breastfeed or not? When should I begin to potty train? A few decades ago, experts were split on many of these issues. Ultimately, we had to make our own decisions and hope they were good ones. It took time to build confidence. Unsolicited advice muddies the waters and just makes it more difficult. B&B have to build confidence in their parenting skills, too. They have to learn to trust their own decisions, just like we did. (And by the way, they are doing a fantastic job!!)

B&B may decide to raise their children differently than we raised ours. ~ B&B are more relaxed than I was. Many are waiting longer to begin potty training. Children are often encouraged to participate in decisions about food and clothing choices. Both parents may decide to work outside the home. I won’t take offense if B&B makes different parenting choices than I did.

Advice will be most welcome when sought, not offered. ~ Sooner or later, they may want a second opinion from someone they trust. I believe that if we have provided loving support without meddling, that they might come to me or Greg for advice.

Relax, and pat myself on the back!  ~ Greg and I raised two great boys. We worked hard and taught them well. I trust B&B to make good, informed decisions for their children, while we get to sit back and relish the joys of simply being a grandparent. Congratulations! I think we have earned it.