Since everyone has differing opinions, some might consider my parenting to be old-fashioned. But others might think it’s too lenient. It all depends on what you believe and what makes up your standards.
Considering the day and age we live in, I do think that my parenting might be a bit more old-fashioned than what we typically see. I contribute that to lessons learned growing up, my faith and what I have observed in others.
The biggest demonstration of this has been our latest adventure, my daughter’s first boyfriend. Thankfully she at least has a respect and appreciation for some of my old-fashioned ways. I can only hope the same is true when it comes to my other two children…but only time will tell.
When my daughter asked permission to have a boyfriend, I felt like I had done something right as a parent. She could have instead, chosen to go behind my back. Especially since she was pretty sure my answer would be no.
But she took the risk. It was her act of maturity, along with a number of other reasons that caused me to give them the okay in making it “official.” However, she also knew going into this that there would be very specific rules put in place.
Last weekend when she made plans to hang out at a park near our lakefront with friends, it was established that she would not be allowed to go somewhere with her boyfriend alone. There must always be a group of kids going.
But I’m so old-fashioned that not only did I have that conversation with her, I had it with her boyfriend as well. I talked to them alone and explained the rules. I made my expectations very clear and they both agreed to them.
I went even further than that, though. I also spoke to the parents and explained how I felt about the situation, what I had said to my daughter and their son, and the expectations I had of them (for instance, not allowing for a situation in which they would be alone). Thankfully they were in full agreement and it has been so nice getting to know his parents better.
Some might think this isn’t enough. But others might think I have gone over the line. It all depends on where you come from and what you believe. I just know that I prefer to go this route and since I have a very cooperative child, why not milk it for all it’s worth?
Do you consider yourself to be old-fashioned or another type of parent?
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Photo by freeparking in Flickr