8 Comments
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Evelyn K. Brunswick's avatar

With regards to your excellent final line, if I had children I would tell them repeatedly 'make your own decisions'.

It seems to me that you are a wonderful mother.

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Shoni's avatar

Oh thank you, I try. But often their decisions are to play videogames all day, so I do need to try to explain the consequences of their various choices, and on occasion make them for them. It is a constant test of patience and resolve, that's for sure!

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MaKenna Grace's avatar

Mine are 7 and 9 and I completely relate to this on every level. The hardest but most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.

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Shoni's avatar

I feel like this age is slightly easier than babies and toddlers, but there are some pretty huge challenges, and I'm feeling the stakes more strongly than ever. Thanks for reading and commenting!

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MaKenna Grace's avatar

There are certainly trade-offs. Some things are easier, some harder. I think that’s just how it goes, lol.

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Shoni's avatar

For sure. We can only try our best. And figure out how we feel by writing essays about it 😅

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0ntrial's avatar

Absolutely Shoni. Coincidental that my kids are 10 and 8 as well? 😊 .. My kids sleep in my bed once in a while, and they are doing alright. I think the focus has to be unconditional love emotional security and guidance while fostering resilience, curiosity and a bit of value 😊

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Shoni's avatar

Sounds wise to me! It's hard in the day to day grind though, isn't it?

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