Parenting is hard work. There is no guide, it is all trial and error. I guess it's kind of like the rest of life....we make mistakes and learn from them. We have successes and failures and regrets.  We do a lot of fumbling.  Sometimes I feel like parenting my children is the easy part of the whole thing. You instill your values and work with them to develop skills that will make them caring, contributing, kind people. You discipline according to your beliefs.

The thing that really stinks is that some people are on a totally different path and sometimes, your path is going to cross theirs. I have been (re)reminded recently that you cannot control other people or their children. I think we have all reacted irrationally to protect our children at some point. Sometimes we get involved in issues that are best left for kids to resolve. Trial and error.

My most recent parenting epiphany is that we all want the best for our kids, even those folks with differing values or unusual behavior. My hope is that when my kids cross the paths of their kids, my kids will do the right thing, be resilient, be thoughtful and remain respectful.

When faced with the adversity of dealing with other parents, you may not ever understand their mode of operation. You do the best you can, each day. Apologizing when you are wrong and knowing that we are our own children's most significant role model.  Our character is demonstrated precisely in those moments when we are so angry we want to spit nails and when we are staring directly in the eyes of difficulty, not the moments when we are getting along with one another.   One of the greatest lessons my dad taught me.....

So...

Follow your own path.  Live with dignity and integrity.  Teach your own children by example.  Instill courage.  Speak up when your impulse is to be silent.  See that your actions reflect your values.

{Repeat.Repeat.Repeat.}

This is a the voice inside my head reminding me every day, be a better you.  Kennedy and Easton are you listening?  I know your watching....