One of the more regular fears admitted to me by friends that are parents worrying about becoming their parents. I know I have said that out loud to myself on countless occasions. Because as I look back, I judge decisions that were made by my parents during their time, from my own time. How many jokes do you see on Facebook from parents that are of the theme, kids today are too _____, back when I was young we ____ and we turned out fine? This seems to me as exactly the same sort of judgement, just using the past to judge the present.
We all as parents, learned amazing lessons from our parents. I have very good friends that tell me horror stories of abuse. I have very good friends that tell me happy stories of engagement. And I have heard many stories that are somewhere in between. These are all lessons, and we all choose how to use them.
I am trying to do a better job lately of looking at the the decisions my parents made in the context at which they were made…which I know is impossible, but it does give me a better perspective and more appreciation. My parents are flawed, but they are also great people. And I’m thankful that I had them in my life when I was a child to show me some of the things I need as a parent today.
We are all flawed parents, doing the best we can do….
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