I've got to cross the goats answer because it made me laugh out loud for the first time today. Are goats more rewarding and a better investment? Probably. But I don't think you will ever love a goat as much as your own child. I wanted to experience parenthood, now I have. It has been totally wonderful and totally awful. Pretty much like all experiences worth having.
Hi lorraine. My 17 year old son, who used to have such intense rages when he was much younger, now never looses his temper. Obviously we disagree a lot, but we’re all pretty reasonable and he’s very good at acknowledging when he’s wrong, as are we. I have done ALOT of work in recent years (and am not parenting two young kids which obviously helps) so don’t really loose my shit very much, and my husband never really does. But I must admit, sometimes I worry that my kid doesn’t loose his! Should his self restraint and control be a cause of concern!
They change by the day I have found: who they are at 15 is very different from who they are at 20. And as with all parenting tips they are just a guide it is about remaining curious and listening not fixing and also for much of the time just being there like a lot plant
Yes, I saw your clarification and your link to an organisation that deals more with neurodivergent children which I think is super helpful. It is a difficult thing to manage because often a family will have one neurodivergent child while the other child needs to be parented differently which can make things complicated. I think your advice is very practical and sensible and a great help.
Thank you for clarifying that this very useful advice might not be appropriate when parenting a neurodiverse child - might I suggest that you highlight that earlier in your piece. Also, many conditions appear during this stage so it’s important to be alert to changes. Respect and patience - and listening - are essential.
Thanks Catherine - I am glad it felt helpful. I do clarify on my about page that I am aiming all my work at those not parenting neurodivergent children.
I've got to cross the goats answer because it made me laugh out loud for the first time today. Are goats more rewarding and a better investment? Probably. But I don't think you will ever love a goat as much as your own child. I wanted to experience parenthood, now I have. It has been totally wonderful and totally awful. Pretty much like all experiences worth having.
Like life itself
Hi lorraine. My 17 year old son, who used to have such intense rages when he was much younger, now never looses his temper. Obviously we disagree a lot, but we’re all pretty reasonable and he’s very good at acknowledging when he’s wrong, as are we. I have done ALOT of work in recent years (and am not parenting two young kids which obviously helps) so don’t really loose my shit very much, and my husband never really does. But I must admit, sometimes I worry that my kid doesn’t loose his! Should his self restraint and control be a cause of concern!
They change by the day I have found: who they are at 15 is very different from who they are at 20. And as with all parenting tips they are just a guide it is about remaining curious and listening not fixing and also for much of the time just being there like a lot plant
Yes, I saw your clarification and your link to an organisation that deals more with neurodivergent children which I think is super helpful. It is a difficult thing to manage because often a family will have one neurodivergent child while the other child needs to be parented differently which can make things complicated. I think your advice is very practical and sensible and a great help.
Thank you for clarifying that this very useful advice might not be appropriate when parenting a neurodiverse child - might I suggest that you highlight that earlier in your piece. Also, many conditions appear during this stage so it’s important to be alert to changes. Respect and patience - and listening - are essential.
Thanks Catherine - I am glad it felt helpful. I do clarify on my about page that I am aiming all my work at those not parenting neurodivergent children.