your kids aren't you/ part 2 with edits

your kids aren't you/ part 2 with edits

fiction
Edward w Pritchard


your kids aren't you

fiction
edward w pritchard

It takes you twenty or thirty years to learn your kids aren't you. They look a little like you and they remind you of your partner sometimes but they confound and confuse you and you don't understand them just like your partner does sometimes and so it's understandable that your kids aren't you.

It's still hard to but out. Don't say things but be there when needed and then vanish. It's fine to like your grandchildren. Have your own life but pick up the phone quickly and don't let their calls go to voice mail. Try to keep a scheduled time to see them.

Most important don't get co dependent when there's bad trouble and don't try to love them too much but keep in touch. It's ok to ask them fishing if they like to fish. Mexican food is fine unless they don't like spicy meals then let them pick another restaurant. Don't talk too much at the restaurant about when they were little children.

If you do manage to distance yourself from your children to protect yourself rest assured their problems will find you and intrude into your well being.

An over abundance of concern for your children is a form of idolatry, like in Abraham and Isaac in the bible. You can't control what happens to others even your own children who you love as they were when they were innocent and obedient.

Don't fret if one of your grown children wants to get tattooed and certainly don't send them a brochure on tattoo's and hepatitis. If they drive too fast tell them once and then just hope or pray for safe trip's through the next twenty years. Don't "what if" a thousand disasters based on your children's character flaws.

Rest in the knowledge that you weren't connected enough to your parents to cause them much trepidations. Nor your parents to theirs. Over protectiveness is a modern malady. It takes you twenty or thirty years to learn your children aren't you and that sometimes you can't shield them from life's disasters even those of their own making. Try to be nimble in assisting with serious issues if asked but otherwise keep a proper distance whenever feasible.