Comments on: Those things that shape you

By: Robyn

Robyn — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:54:25 +0000

Hi Chuck,
I came over to this post from your reply on ‘What Dad’s Really Think’.

The small increments of ‘letting go’ we have to do as parents really are shaped by our own experiences. I witnessed and experienced similar things as a child myself, and I could almost feel the anxiety you described while watching your son make his flagship journey alone to the store. I think it’s great that you were purposeful in your parenting, and didn’t just send him off without thought simply based on his age. I agree with both you and @SWC in that “I guess it’s up to us as parents to be as uncomplicated as we can…” in ourselves, because there sure are a lot of complicated people out there we’ll have to explain to them about.

Robyns last blog post..Airplane friends (no, not Mile High Club!)

By: Tara R.

Tara R. — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:03:38 +0000

What a horrible memory. Breaks my heart.
My son just turned 15 and I can only now allow him to ride his bike to his friends house… probably 5-6 miles away. Kills me… now he wants to get his learners permit to drive. Letting go with him is so much harder than it was with my daughter.

Tara R.s last blog post..Random Wednesday – love thine enemy

By: Chuck

Chuck — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:11:13 +0000

Hi Kim. I hear you. Paralyzed is an apt description.

Regarding the answer to your question… my pleasure. I have to admit it was not easy and probably took more thought that the other questions. It required me to really consider where I stand.

By: Chuck

Chuck — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:07:22 +0000

Thanks Matt. I’ve got 4 kids in all age groups and what you say is very true, though I hate it. I hate being helpless in so many instances. The fact that you can’t protect them from everything, or anything depending on how broad the discussion. Thanks for your contribution. Always appreciated!

By: Kim

Kim — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:21:59 +0000

Chuck, you are so dead on that past experiences still haunt us to this day. I am paralyzed sometimes at the thought of every action, every experience that my kids encounter will have an impact on them.

I really enjoyed this post.. great job.

PS. Thanks for your incredible answer on my question today and the interaction with other commenters. It was a leap of faith to actually “open” my views and discuss them in such a public forum. I normally stick to safe on my blog.

Kims last blog post..DiscoveringDad.net – What Dads Really Think