Article Contributed on: 3/16/2007 11:57:24 PM
I've pretty well decided that there are three schools of thought to parenting: I'll fix what's wrong with me in my children so they don't suffer similarly, I'll never do to MY kids what my parents did to me, and, I'll never do to MY kids what THAT person's parents did to them...
All of these are completely expected responses to the surreal proposition of finding oneself responsible for the upbringing of a tiny, little human. They may not be the best of all possible responses, but they seem to be the norm. Because they all cut the very heart of what it takes to be a good parent.
After 2 recent conversations with co-workers I've re-focused my efforts in raising my kids. It's an ongoing process because there's always something else you want your children to learn, so you're constantly prioritizing the lessons you want your kids to walk away with while they still can.
My new priority? Gratitude. See, I've become convinced that the key to being happy lies in being grateful for what you have. Not complacent - because that kills incentive - but at least appreciative for how much you have, rather than focusing on how much you feel you lack.
In America in 2007, for example, it would probably serve a child well to know that having a bed in which to sleep sets them above the majority of the world's children.
I'm just sayin'...
Chris Stone is a slightly different - hopefully better - Father and man than he was yesterday...