Today's topic came to mind when I stumbled upon this lovely blog post: Anna Rosenbaum Palmer
I loved every idea, and already do some. The title is, "Nine Ways Lazy Parenting Helps Grow Great Grownups."
As she says, there are so many "styles" of parenting these days, and everyone will tell you why their preferred method is the best, and someone else will tell you why that way is complete garbage. I am not here to tell you the right way. Today is my son's fourth birthday. It's been a crazy four years, and I am just here to share my parenting experience, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
In honor of the big fourth bday we are celebrating today, I thought I'd share four of the biggest "mistakes", according to everyone else, and how they turned out to be wonderful decisions for my son, myself, or both of us.
1. Being Selfish
I've been accused of being selfish numerous times.
The first is when I left my son's functioning- alcoholic of a father because I didn't want to marry him.
What people said: "You're tearing your family apart", "Think about what this will do to your son","You have a kid, you need to put his needs first, not your own.", "Don't you want your son to grow up in a happy home?"
What actually happened: My son is growing up in a happy home. My happiness is important cause without that, I couldn't be the best mom I could possibly be. He also would've grown up with a distorted view of what love is. How's his relationship with his dad? It's shit. He sees him next to never. Daddy dearest decided it was much easier being a parent two weeks a year than actually giving a damn. This could be seen as a downside, but to be honest, it's not. Because I made the decision I did, I am able to be a better dad, as well as the best mom for my son. My guess is that I would have been doing both jobs, even if I stayed, just now I'm happier.
2. Letting my toddler do stuff on his own
People don't give toddlers enough credit. They are smart little creatures and they'll figure stuff out pretty quickly. I have often relied on the, "well, he'll figure it out," mantra, and, guess what?! My son figures it out.
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| The beautiful pallet garden that my three year old helped me build, using real tools.  |
What I heard: "You're going to let him climb that [at the park]?! What if he can't get down?", "You're going to let him wear shorts out of the house?! It's December!", "He is way too young to be using a screwdriver, saw, or hammer. He's only three.", "Kids that age shouldn't listen to music like that.", "That's too heavy for him, he'll hurt himself."
What happened:
He cried for a little, but when he realized I wasn't climbing up the playground to get him, he figured out how to get down safely. He overcame that fear and now needs less help than some ten year olds I've seen at the park.
With the shorts, he never made that mistake again, and I'll never have to beg him to dress for the weather ever again.
With the tools, we had one smashed finger, but then he figured it out. Now, he helps me and grandpa actually build/fix stuff around the house. He is always so proud of himself when we finish up.
With the heavy items, yes it was too heavy. He dropped it on his toe. He now asks for help when he needs it.
3. Letting him listen to music or radio that wasn't appropriate
J has always liked music, ever since he was a newborn. There was this weird cable, classic country/bluegrass station that played music videos 24/7. It was the only thing that would keep me awake during midnight feedings, and the only thing that would calm him when he started teething @ 3 months. He got his first guitar at 18 months. He started listening to the Grateful Dead at age 2. He now owns a banjo and loves Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and Willie Nelson. I also listen to NPR whenever we're in the car. This has caused minor irritations for his teachers and daycare workers.
What I've heard: "Um it's really not appropriate for him to bring a Grateful Dead stuffed bear to show and tell.", "James asked to make a 'Go Home Bundys' sign during art today.", "James probably shouldn't be singing 'If you like pina coladas' during singing time.", "James told the whole class today about the budget crisis the state of IL is going through, and gave us all reasons why we should work as a team. Kids shouldn't be worrying about that."
What actually happened: They were all wrong and he's starting guitar lessons tomorrow
A Grateful Dead bear is only a symbol of something if you make it that. I think it's a symbol for a really great band, and one of the best guitarists of all time.
As far as singing Jimmy Buffet goes, I am proud that he knows a song by heart. Maybe not the best time, but what other three year old can do that?!
The "Go Home Bundys" sign wasn't my fault, I blame that on watching too much MSNBC with his grandpa. Either way, I do not think it is a bad thing to have a child who understands that the world doesn't begin and end with him. He has a deeper knowledge of how this world works, and is coming up with solutions that he sees as possible. There is nothing wrong with that.
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| #parentingwin |
4. Letting him make a huge mess or get himself messy
Sometimes, even I think this is a mistake beforehand.
Making a huge mess has turned into some wonderful projects or experiences
Project: Furniture painting
We had furniture in our backyard that we had wanted to repaint for years. J and I had SO, SO, SO MUCH FUN getting paint all over our clothes, the grass, the patio, and, of course, the furniture.
The mess: The grass grew, then was cut, paint gone. Our clothes were messy clothes anyways. The extra paint washed off the patio, and our furniture is GORGEOUS. We also now have painted paver rocks and a multi color rain barrel too.
Experience: Playing in the mud
The mess: not even comparable to the amount of fun we had.
I am a firm believer that we are exactly what our children need, mistakes and all, and the best piece of parenting advice that I got when I was pregnant, still keeps me calm to this day.
"Kids don't come with instructions. Because of this, god made them pretty human proof. Think of all the shit cavemen babies had to go through, and yet they survived, and we are proof of that.
