"I'll only breastfeed, I'll only feed them organic foods, I'll only make them sleep in their crib, etc etc".
Being a parent makes us realize the naivety of our arrogance and idealism. If done correctly, it is the most stimulating and enriching course. It keeps you on your toes, it keeps you experimenting with different things, it makes you an astute observer of your own and other children, it keeps you thirsty for more knowledge, it is a beautiful study of the power of human attachment and ability of detachment. It tells you a lot more about yourself than you think. Parenting is the only thing that so amazingly connects you back to your own childhood, your insecurities, fears and parental relationship.
I often wonder who my seven year old really is? Some nights, I sip my cup of tea at the end of the day, telling my husband I think I'm completely failing this parenting business after my 7 year old shocks me with the amount of intense emotions he can have over not getting his choice of dinner. Some nights, I am bursting with joy and pride after my 7 year old has laid the whole table with plates, forks, glasses correctly placed, washed all my big pots and pans in the sink and offered to make dessert for guests. Those nights I feel like I'm doing it right, I'm raising an empowered, responsible and kind young man.
