What I Know Today About Parenting
(Robert edition)
Two nights ago, I realized I might have a few things to say about parenting. I’m not comfortable calling this “advice,” because I’ve never had the sense that I really know what I’m doing here. But I might have an insight or two, and maybe what my heart needs right now is some space to process these ever-changing winds. (I process most effectively through writing.)
If you’re curious why I’m choosing to do this now, I’m right there with you. I can’t say for sure. But it seems to have something to do with this guy…
…turning 16 this week.
I imagined I’d write something practical, like how we have (imperfectly) navigated tech and phones with our kids. But when I asked if you have any parenting questions you’d like me to address, I wasn’t prepared for every response to be about launching big kids into college and early adulthood. I messaged Emily saying something like, “I knew I was old, but are we all old?”
As I also told her, I am only now, upon reflection and perspective, starting to understand some things about raising little people. I don’t know nothin’ about launching big kids yet! Someone, please, tell me what to do!
This preamble is all to say, I’m going to be writing about a bit more personally in the weeks to come. I’m extremely protective of my kids, so you won’t be getting anything you shouldn’t be getting. I am grateful to have the option to share with a smaller, more invested crew. Thank you for being trust-worthy people.
I am overly aware that not all of us here are parents. Conversations about parenting can be sensitive and difficult for a variety of reasons. I hope none of this feels excluding. I love and appreciate each of you!
(If you’d like to become a paid subscriber and continue reading, you’re welcome to join us! And if there’s something parenting-related you’d like me to write about, just holler.)
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