Well, I count my lucky stars every day. I have two teenagers, 14DS and 17DD who both love and respect us as parents. Do they get sassy with us? Occasionally, and I really do mean very occasionally. We point this out to them and the problem disappears. My kids have both known from toddlers that we expect them to be respectful and honest and productive giving members of our society. We do not push them to do anything they don't want to or are uncomfortable with. Both of my children are very different in personality, but both are very loving and giving. They both have very good grades...but that is because they are capable of getting them and know that we expect them to live up to their potential. If we had children who were limited in their ability to C or D work, but they worked hard to get those Cs and Ds, we would be proud of their efforts. (Unfortunately for my kids, their capabilities have always been honor roll work....so they basically are stuck in that frame of reference) I have never heard the words "I HATE you, from either of my kids. I HAVE heard "but So-and So's Mom let's him/her do it or go there" My answer is always, well, lucky for So and So I am not their Mom I guess." Anyway, my kids play games, have video games, cell phones, go out with friends and my 17 y o DD even dates (of course only with us having to "pass" all of her dates---luckily for us only has had 2 boys she has gone on actual dates with), go to the mall, take drama........just all of this to show that my kids are very "normal". DD has a job, and we let her keep 50% of her paycheck to spend on herself and the other 50% automatically goes into her savings account. She has never questioned or fought this either.

And just think.....we have achieved all of this compassion, respect and joy from our kids without once having to spank or hit them....NEVER....not even once when they were toddlers.

I don't think that my kids are angels or better than any other kid. I think kids are predisposed to certain sensibilities from birth and may be affected differently by everything around them. I guess I was just lucky enough to get the lucky genes in my kids.


Of course....who knows....they could both turn on me tomorrow :O

__________________
"Well-Behaved Women SELDOM make history."Laurel Thatcher Ulrich


"Yesterday is but a vision, and tomorrow is only a dream. But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a dream of hope." Anonymous

"Your candle does not lose it's light by lighting another candle" Generosity

Have the courage to be yourself.