Operation "Confused As Ever" has commenced as I finish my latest reads in what feels like an abyss of publications offering parenting advice. However, "The Blessing of a Skinned Knee" by Mogel and "Nurtureshock" by Bronson are books that I want to heartily endorse...at least until the next wave of parenting trends hits my local Borders. Both posit that parents today should praise less, allow for low-quality time, disappoint their kids with mediocrity and strive for being "good enough"...then hang around with said child and wait to see what develops. What a paradox...doing nothing and our lives become richer? Sounds good, no? To most this would be liberating; a welcomed invitation to tone down the uber-parent tendencies. For me it is a one-way ticket on the crazy train. Now I have to think about doing nothing? Find time in our busy schedule for emptiness while encouraging insignificance? This a total brainscrew (I so badly want to use the "f" word but my mother may be reading this). I feel like Ashton Kutcher may be lurking around the corner just ready to jump out and tell me I've been "Punked".
But really, I get it. I just need to work harder on implementing absence of activity. Oh yeah, and I guess that means I should bite my tongue when the simple act of admiring clouds with my toddler turns into a spout off about evaporation, condensation and atmospheric gases. Good Lord, I'm a real head case.
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