Reading between the lines.

Do you ever wonder why there are countless numbers of books on parenting, all seeming to say completely different things? Maybe you don't, maybe you haven't read any of them, in which case you're already ahead of the game. These books all exist because there's no one right way to raise your kids, regardless of what some expert with a gallery of PhD's or half a dozen kids on a reality show try to sell you. Just as all kids are different all parents are different and there's not a manual on how to raise them. The way you're hard wired and molded, your personality, your attributes, good and bad, have likely taken up space in your kids for better or worse. 

Worry not, regardless of what you do they would likely benefit from therapy when they're older, so once you get past that jarring realization you can relax a bit and trust your instincts. Parents who are actively raising their children in a stable environment know what's best for their kids, not your parents or in-laws, not your neighbor, not your co-worker, not the mailman, you get the point. Of course these people are offering their advice and knowledge because they genuinely care and want to help, and you'll always appreciate that, but take what you like from that and leave the rest as you see fit. You've been around your kids, and while you may be new at parenting whatever you think is right should be fine. 

As long as your kid is generally happy and healthy you're doing great no matter what anyone else tells you. When we were kids many of us were strapped in to the front seat of the car in a cloud of cigarette smoke, drinking soda and eating junk. We turned out fine (mostly), so however we raise our kids in this day and age is likely to be inconsequential to how their lives play out. We're just a temporary chaperone on this ride, so as long as you do what you do with their best interests and your love for them in mind, everything will be alright. 

So next time you're at your local bookstore (on the off chance those still exist) or you're browsing the Internet and you find yourself befuddled at the countless selections of parenting books and strategies, it is for good reason. While these very educated and informed people have dedicated hours, days, and years to their education and experience in this super sensitive minefield of a subject, theirs is an approach in a sea of infinite rights and wrongs, of what works in one situation and what works in others. If you're not confident, these books can be great at guiding you on your way or offering some reassurance, but know that none of this can replace that raw pure instinct down in your gut...unless you just had some bad shellfish, wait a little while to trust your gut again.

Listening to: My Morning Jacket "Believe (Nobody Knows)"

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