I often think ahead to the future; as 5 years ago, I wasn't sure I would have one. Now, I allow myself the chance to wonder where I might be in 10, 20 or 30 years. I wonder where my children will be their lives. I wonder what they will be doing, where their paths in life will have traveled. Will they be working? Will they be married? Will they have children?
I think sometimes people expect pony rides and clowns to be available at their convenience. Parents don't want to tell their child "no," because God forbid we stamper their dreams or squash their self esteem. What happened to the word no? I've met so many parents who just allow their children to do whatever they want. I don't know if it is because they feel guilty about working, so they make it up to them by allowing them to do whatever they please and never say NO to the child? The parents go the store, and "Little Billy" gets whatever he wants; and believe me, "Little Billy" learns very quickly how to play the game.
I believe that kids need to help out in the home. I know that I, along with my brother and sister, did our share of chores. We had to clean our rooms, put away our laundry, fill the woodrack, clean the dinner table, cut wood, help out at the barn next door, mow the lawn (all 5 acres) and perform other tasks around the house. Geeze, we didn't even get an allowance (gasp!) Why did we do it? Because it was part of our jobs, part of being a member of the family. Did we bitch? Heck ya.. Did we do it? Yes we did. Did I enjoy it? Well, lets not get crazy...
Now that I think about it, I had it pretty good. I had a nice house to go to sleep in, I had nice clothes, I never had to worry about food. My parents did a darn good job, and I thank them for that. I actually belong to the group known as the "Orphan Club," so I just have to believe that somehow, someway, I thanked them previously for their gifts, as I can't do it in person now.
When I look at this picture, I wonder where my child will be in the years to come. I hope I've given her a solid foundation to do what she knows is right. I hope I've given her the skills to function in society. I hope I've taught her right from wrong. Most of all, I hope my kids are happy and glad that I was their mother; the big meanie who made them clean their rooms, mow the lawn, take care of the pets they begged me to bring home, wash their clothes and clean the litter box. I hope I've not spoiled them too much.
