Are we doing better raising our children than our parents did raising us? Can we be a good judge in a that scenario? Outside of the realm of parenthood, are we doing better living our lives than what our parents or grand parents did? So much goes into these types of questions and thought.
I recently tried a new barbershop. That may not sound like a big deal, but for most men and as stereotypical as it may be, most Black men it is. It’s a big deal partly because of the bond that if formed with your barber. Yes we laugh and joke. We talk trash, go over the latest movies, music and things going in our communities. Then there are the times were we talk about life. Our families and friends. We share our dreams and goals. We get advice as well as give it.
So I’m sitting in a new barbershop talking with the young man who has started it and wants his business to be helpful to his family. We begin talking about our upbringing. Some of the struggles that he had, some of the struggles I had. Things he wants to differently with his son, and things that I want to do with my children.
So are we doing better than our parents? I guess it depends on where your perspective comes from. One thing that I’ve learned as my children continue to grow and develop is that there each child is different. How you apply the rules for one child will be completely different from how you apply them for another child.
That doesn’t mean that there aren’t rules. I’ve learned that I can’t hold a grudge for what my parents did or did not do. With age comes understanding. I understand that my parents really did the best that they could. Did they have all the answers, no, but they did as I’m doing now, they best they can with what they know.
I’d love to hear what you have learned in your parenting journey? What understanding have you gained?
