There was a very interesting post yesterday concerning raising children. I think it might be just as interesting if some of you we have gotten to know shared how you were brought up and how your parents related to you.
My parents were both very strict and I always felt that fact hindered me somewhat.
If anyone is interested in answering my original question I would appreciate their response.
Author, it was a good attempt at what could have been a very interesting topic
As with many, my parents were divorced, mine by the time I was one. My Dad was not a part of my life (found out later Mom didn't allow it). Mom remarried when I was 7. He was an only child, used to being the center of attention...and wanted it to stay that way. He was also a racist. We clashed right from the beginning, lol. They had 2 kids together.
During my childhood, I generally didn't feel supported or loved...mostly felt judged and like a bother and disappointment.
I left home when I was 16. Told Mom I was leaving and that I'd call on certain nights to let her know I was okay. Family didn't want me going back home and flew me out to California, where I've been since.
It's been a loooong hard road mending things with Mom...and there's still a long way to go.
She had me too young. Had a lot of her own problems which she didn't get to work out, as she became a Mom. It was a hard road and did the best she could considering.
My step-dad passed away a few months ago. I still don't know my Dad, tho I hope to one day.
For years after I left home, I'd let people walk on me. Wasn't used to having a real option. Eventually, I started believing in myself, what I deserved and the way I should be treated. I stopped taking crap from people.
One of the things that I learned from my childhood is to not judge what I did not KNOW. It's why I try really hard to give people the benefit of the doubt and to see their perspective.
In raising my children, it would have been easy to go the opposite extreme that Mom did and be too lenient. But I really try to keep a balance...loving and supportive, while insisting on respect and responsibility. There are areas that I struggle in and areas that I'm confident in. Most importantly, my kids know they're loved no matter what.:-D
When i said my parents were too strict and that it hindered my socially I was referring to them not letting me or my younger sister play basketball,track,cheerlead,or do any after school activities.
While live and love has worked out quite well for me it hasn't been quite so for my sister. Her not being able to do anything socially left her very unprepared for life when she went to college.