Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Helicopter vs. Free Range

Thirty plus years ago we would all be shaking our heads wondering, what the heck?
Oddly enough I have most recently found out that at different points during our sons child rearing years that we had been guilty/subscribers of both?
Oh, for you non-parents, Helicopter Parents, basically hover over everything their child or children do, making sure their lives are well planned to their best advantage and non-failure, daily for years and years into college, and are often surprised why they move back home after. While a Free Range Parenting style parent, feels that the school of the world is there to find by their children learning on their own without parental interference. That is not to say they neglect their offspring, it just means at a certain point once you feel that you have taught them whatever is important to you that you trust their judgment to make their own decisions, got that?  
And all of these adults have lives after they are grown outside of their family homes and usually know how to support themselves after college, technical school or the school of hard knocks.
Or... I could be wrong, I've been wrong before.

Any-who, it was easier back then safety wise than now to being a Free Range type parent, which I felt we did really well, as hands off Mom and Dad at times when our sons were teenagers, since by then we were absolutely sure they knew right from wrong and we were mostly right, but when we weren't, we all ended up learning.Thankfully, nothing very seriously bad ever happened. They are alive and well and now are 39 and 43 years old respectively.

I just find the terminology funny these years and feel for young parents dealing with being told what way is best or not best to raise your own children, since they all grow-up just fine in spite of us anyway, more times than not.

Recently, I read a short item on the net, Geez, I recall when the "net" referred to a basketball one, or a tennis or fishing one, any-who that stated most seniors, as I am now, their only regret was that they worried too much when they were younger, so I thought I would pass that on, okay?
Worrying has cut many a senior down in that prime time of life, my Mom I believe was one of them, so I try hard not to, and you youngins shouldn't worry either. Take care of what you can, but somethings are just out of your hands so why worry, honestly? Hopefully faith will kick in.

On  these notes of hopes for all the next generations, allow me to be the very first to wish all of you a very happy good night and ask all of you to kindly count all your blessings and share all your overages with you know whom and we will too!

And next time please be here or be square, ya hear?

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