Parenting With Love and Truth

I'm an '80s child. 

Well, born in the '70s, but remember more of the '80s.

I was raised WITHOUT a silver spoon in my mouth.

My family put things in "lay-a-way" and paid for them with hard-earned cash.

I was taught that just because you're born, the world owes you nothing. 

You work hard for what YOU want.

I was taught that life is not fair.

There are always people that have more than you.

But even more people will have less than you.

My parents were divorced.

I saw at an early age what a fearless woman looked like.

My mother did things for herself.

I saw my mother learn how to do the things my dad typically did.

She learned to change the oil in her car, make house repairs, and pay her own bills. 

With no help.

Whatsoever.

From a man, government, or other family members.

She told me it wasn't another person's fault or the government's problem that 

She and my father got a divorce. 

So why should they "fix" it?

All the while, my mother remained a parent to me.

She didn't rely on me to be a confidante or emotional crutch.

She showed tough love when she needed to....which was often.

I miss the days when parents and children weren't "buds". 

Parents are supposed to nurture, educate, and guide their children.

Parents are supposed to prepare their children for the world out there.

Even if it hurts a little.

I love this episode of "The Cosby Show". 

Cliff (the dad) is offering his son Theo some honest advice about life.

Even if it hurts a little.

*Make sure you watch until the 3:00 mark. 

Theo provides such a convincing argument, but Cliff provides even better parental advice.