Divergent thoughts that might converge.
It's the time of year when many bloggers are inspired to write about back to school preparations, first day of school experiences, and generally how time flies as we watch our children grow. I don't know if that's what inspired Punk Rock Dad to write this piece on parenting today, but I like it.
Punk Rock Dad's post sends my mind in two separate directions. One - who's behind the blog? Two - parenting, which is as passion-filled as politics and religion.
Direction One - Who's behind the blog?
After reading Punk Rock Dad's blog for a few weeks - it's a new blog, not unlike my own - I believe him to be precisely who he says he is. Although, I confess to initially picturing him as someone different than who he portrays himself to be - or, I should say, who he is (no offense PRD - I'm a believer). Who knows though, and does it really matter?
Why do certain blogs appeal to us and others you can't leave fast enough - depends on the day for me. I wonder when people visit my blog - is the content interesting, or is someone trolling for hits? [I take a shower when I feel like a hit-whore.] I love seeing traffic increase, and comments are still like little presents - not throwing stones in a glass house. Feels good - except the whore part - that feels bad.
When I started this blog my friend T said he *liked* it but could tell I was holding back. He said, why don't you use an anonymous name and be a little naughty? I said, "Why don't you use an anonymous name and be a little naughty?" I think his point is valid - obviously anonymity provides more freedom. Creative endeavors are intimate and can be risky if too much self-esteem is attached. Ironically, it's some of the people closest to me who I allow to constipate my writing the most. Friends like T and my husband are safe - but it's a select few.
Direction Two - Parenting
Chris and I are doing the best we can. I believe most people are. We put thought into how we're raising our sons, we've read lots of books, listened (sort-of) to our parents, watched friends, attempted to emulate people we thought had *good* kids. Every time I have a strong criticism of someone's parenting style, something happens in our lives that sharply softens that criticism. Oh, I realize. They're doing the best they can.
Punk Rock Dad's post today illustrates the unique experiences we bring to our parenting style. I believe it also illustrates that we fundamentally all want our kids to be healthy, happy, loved, loving, decent, considerate, contributing human beings. There's more than one road to that end.