We’re normal parents who want to give our children that perfect “happily ever after” type of childhood that results in strong, independent adults who are capable of making positive contributions to society while taking care of themselves and their families. Like others, we try to be strategic about the kinds of things our kids do Today and the expected results we hope to see Tomorrow. We set goals with our children, teach them how to plot a course toward those goals, teach them how to re-start when things don’t go so well, and we set high expectations for them to achieve. We’ve rewarded and punished, hosted many nights of dialogues, discussions, and lectures, we’ve granted privileges, and tried to instill discipline. We’ve made opportunities available for sports, drama, music, and other interest areas. We’ve encouraged good friendships and discouraged bad influences. And just when we start to feel smug…”Yeah, we’ve got great kids…and it’s because we’re such FABULOUS parents,” something changes—It always works that way.
Our first parenting “masterpiece” just turned 17 this summer. With that change, we are beginning to really contemplate the idea of him leaving home in just 12 short months. Will he be ready? Will he be able to stand up to life’s rigors and avoid its pitfalls? When he trips, does he have the resiliency to recover? We carefully planned his childhood—but were those plans the right plans to make him successful in life? Does he know how to work hard to get the things he really wants most? Does he want the right things? Will he be compassionate? Will he be strong? Will the years of scouting and soccer practice and music lessons make a difference? Will he remember all of those lessons he learned and re-learned and still seems to be learning? Will he keep learning? Will he help others? Will he come home to visit me?
I sure do hope so.
1 comment:
Yes, he will. Tyler is a good, strong guy. He loves his family and will always do the right thing.
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