When my son reads this blog in June I hope he comes away with the message--I tried my best. I really did. It was very easy to judge other parents BK (before kids) and I often would say, "When I have kids I will NEVER do that!!!" Or even better, "My parents did x,y, or z and I swear I'll never do that!" I have since learned never say never.
People say parenting is the toughest job you'll ever do. They are correct. It is the toughest but, undoubtedly, also the most rewarding. I just hope I didn't screw it up too bad in raising a son.
Sharing stories with other parents always made me feel better. I am not alone in the craziness. If I lost it and spanked my toddler, others will empathize (assuming they are not in the anti-spanking group). If my child had a major meltdown in the grocery store and EVERYONE turned to stare, others will empathize. If my child hit, kicked and bit me at the park when I said it was time to leave, others will empathize. The best consolation came when the "Super Nanny" television show aired. After watching that show, I knew I wasn't doing so bad.
My ultimate wish is that I did good enough to create a loving and responsible son who will be a happy and productive member of society.
