P.S. I can appreciate the notion of radical action, but I think we can embrace any ritual like New Year's that welcomes reflection and intention regardless of our agency the rest of the year!
I can relate to this post so much... those little feet padding down the hallway at sunrise are my daily alarm clock too, despite our rules about waking up mom and dad too early. Truth is, the kids have figured me out completely. They know I'll cave more often than not, rules or no rules.
"Kindness brings security; security brings confidence" reminds me of the importance of being gentle. I'm not a father, but as a man I think it's crucial to have a level of gentleness about you that makes those closest to you always feel safe and comfortable. Great essay brother.
What more is a parent meant to do than instil confidence?
That’s profound. And yet that has never been seen as a goal by 99.9% of parents, including myself. If only I could give my 21 year old self this knowledge. It would have changed a lot of things about how we raised our children.
Thanks, Tim — it’s so interesting to have made the connection, having not thought of it before, and now it shapes so much of how I think about parenting.
a valiant new years resolution my man, I wonder how the world would look if that was on everyone’s list
Thanks, Cliff!
Very touching, and so very true.
Love you.
P.S. I can appreciate the notion of radical action, but I think we can embrace any ritual like New Year's that welcomes reflection and intention regardless of our agency the rest of the year!
Happy New Year, Lou!
I can relate to this post so much... those little feet padding down the hallway at sunrise are my daily alarm clock too, despite our rules about waking up mom and dad too early. Truth is, the kids have figured me out completely. They know I'll cave more often than not, rules or no rules.
Wishing you and the family happy days ahead!
Thanks, Michael -- you as well! And, yup -- it often seems they know us too well. All we can do is embrace it.
(And for what it's worth, I really do agree with you on resolutions -- but I have a bit I need to play sometimes!)
"Kindness brings security; security brings confidence" reminds me of the importance of being gentle. I'm not a father, but as a man I think it's crucial to have a level of gentleness about you that makes those closest to you always feel safe and comfortable. Great essay brother.
Couldn't agree more, JT -- and is something of which I think we all should try to remind ourselves.
What more is a parent meant to do than instil confidence?
That’s profound. And yet that has never been seen as a goal by 99.9% of parents, including myself. If only I could give my 21 year old self this knowledge. It would have changed a lot of things about how we raised our children.
Thanks, Tim — it’s so interesting to have made the connection, having not thought of it before, and now it shapes so much of how I think about parenting.