Ah, its mainly the teenage years that really wear you to a frazzle, at least for me it was. Type A patience personality, maybe its God's way to teaching me. But our children, even grown up now still have their moments.
yeah. I understand you there. they are way over rated. seems like the only time I hear from them now is when they need "help" with something or money. or right before Christmas. funny how that shit works now isn't it ? dave in pa.
I have two step sons. I hosted 12 exchange students on full year (11 months) programs, 1 exchange student on a 5 month program, 4 exchange students on "emergency" placements (1 month, 2 months, 5 months, 7 months), and 3 TOEFFL students on an English proficiency augmentation. I was a technical mentor at work and managed dozens of CS grads for 12 to 18 months over a decade or more. I provided extended guidance for most of these folks far beyond their formal periods of residence. Many have told me I was instrumental in their development. I have had lifetime friendships with a half dozen or so. There were other kids that went through my home for short periods of time when they needed a time-out with a rational, no nonsense father figure in their lives. It is a small point of pride for me and is gratifying to have helped forge these folks into productive humans. I was not always a nice guy, but even the harshest times were appreciated by my wards.
I know this sounds like bragging, and I really don't care. Maybe I am overstating my contribution. But years of having been thanked (okay, there were a few times I was cursed as well) have made me happy.
Being a parent is THE hardest job you will ever have. Yes it is a life long job as you will always be dad to your children. Yes, children are expensive and a pita at times, but I will never regret being daddy to them. I now watch one of my grandsons four days a week, while his dad works and mom is at school. He is a delight to watch, and it is a joy to see the world through the eyes of a three year old. If a child is going to grow up and become a man who can give unconditional love, self-sacrificial love to others, he will learn that from his father and grandfather as they, to the best of their flawed ability live it out in his life. Yeah, yeah, I know, your milage may vary.
Or payback opportunities. They don't let us set out the chocolate covered expresso beans anymore. And my wife is no longer permitted to teach kids how to make practice bagpipe chanters / double reed instruments out of soda straws. John in Indy
It’s always the boy.
ReplyDeleteAh, its mainly the teenage years that really wear you to a frazzle, at least for me it was. Type A patience personality, maybe its God's way to teaching me. But our children, even grown up now still have their moments.
ReplyDeleteyeah. I understand you there. they are way over rated. seems like the only time I hear from them now is when they need "help" with something or money. or right before Christmas.
ReplyDeletefunny how that shit works now isn't it ? dave in pa.
That’s the truth.
DeleteMy daughter is pretty self sufficient and independent, it's my brother who is permanently broke and always on the blag.
DeleteI have two step sons. I hosted 12 exchange students on full year (11 months) programs, 1 exchange student on a 5 month program, 4 exchange students on "emergency" placements (1 month, 2 months, 5 months, 7 months), and 3 TOEFFL students on an English proficiency augmentation. I was a technical mentor at work and managed dozens of CS grads for 12 to 18 months over a decade or more. I provided extended guidance for most of these folks far beyond their formal periods of residence. Many have told me I was instrumental in their development. I have had lifetime friendships with a half dozen or so. There were other kids that went through my home for short periods of time when they needed a time-out with a rational, no nonsense father figure in their lives. It is a small point of pride for me and is gratifying to have helped forge these folks into productive humans. I was not always a nice guy, but even the harshest times were appreciated by my wards.
ReplyDeleteI know this sounds like bragging, and I really don't care. Maybe I am overstating my contribution. But years of having been thanked (okay, there were a few times I was cursed as well) have made me happy.
Everyone has different strengths & weaknesses...we're all different. Keep in mind that different isn't bad, it's just different.
DeleteJust remember...grandchildren are paybacks, hahahaha.
ReplyDeleteChildren and grand children: Endless joy, frustration and worry and also pride.
ReplyDeleteEvil Franklin
This is what happens when you refuse to put up a swingset in your backyard
ReplyDeleteBeing a parent is THE hardest job you will ever have. Yes it is a life long job as you will always be dad to your children. Yes, children are expensive and a pita at times, but I will never regret being daddy to them. I now watch one of my grandsons four days a week, while his dad works and mom is at school. He is a delight to watch, and it is a joy to see the world through the eyes of a three year old. If a child is going to grow up and become a man who can give unconditional love, self-sacrificial love to others, he will learn that from his father and grandfather as they, to the best of their flawed ability live it out in his life. Yeah, yeah, I know, your milage may vary.
ReplyDeleteOr payback opportunities.
ReplyDeleteThey don't let us set out the chocolate covered expresso beans anymore.
And my wife is no longer permitted to teach kids how to make practice bagpipe chanters / double reed instruments out of soda straws.
John in Indy