Parental Paradox

Parenting has been proving to be a bigger challenge than I expected it to be.

 

You want to be the fun parent, but you also want to be the firm parent!

 

You want to be patient, but you have so little time to let things go at your kids' pace!

 

You want to make sure you never compare your kid to others, but it's such a competitive world out there you can't help it!

 

You want to be fair with your kids, but you often end up taking the naughty one's side to get rid of his nagging!

 

You want to teach them to be humble, but you also want them to have pride!

 

You want to teach them to be nice to other kids, but you also want to teach them to stand up for themselves!

 

You want them to be bold and frank, but you also want them to be polite!

 

You want them to be natural and spontaneous, but you still want them to think ahead!

 

You want to guide them, but you also want them to be able to make their own decisions!

 

You want to offer them the world, but you don't want to spoil them!

 

You want to help them, but you also want them to learn to be independent!

 

You want to have them so close to you, but you still want to give them their space!

 

You want to have them so close to you, but you still need YOUR space!

 

You want to show them off, but you don't want to embarrass them!

 

You want them to be normal kids, but you also want them to be special!

 

You want to give them their freedom, but you can't deprive them from your protection!

 

You see yourself in them, so you push them to fulfill your own dreams, but you still want them to be happy pursuing theirs!

 

Does it ever get easier?

November 2007