There Comes a Time

There comes a time some one's life when they have to make their own decisions. There comes a time when they have to grow up.

It is a parent's job that they accepted by having a child to prepare their child for that time. If I were to grade them on their job performance, the only way that they would get and 'A' (and this is really for an 'A-') is to have their child ready to make their own decisions and pretty much capable of independence by the time they turn 18. They get a higher grade by giving their kid a head start, and they get a lower grade by having it take a little longer. They pass if their child ever actually grows up.

(side note: I realize that genetics plays some small role in this, but when I'm judging the quality of some one's parenting, I feel that the genetics they pass on to their child should also be taken as part of the account of their parenting success)

On this note, a parent does their child an extreme disservice if they try to force their decisions on their children after a certain point (for most, around the time that their child turns 18). A parent should not try to force their child's hand whether through finances, emotions, or any other manipulative tool. (note: a child should still seek their parent's advice on bigger decisions, but, ultimately, they need to make their own decision for their own reasons)

I am so thankful that my parents did a good job with me. I've had many different friends and acquaintances over the years, and not once have I ever felt a hint of jealousy over their parents. I could not imagine better parents than mine nor have I ever seen any that come remotely close. My parents love me, but they have never tried to control me. I am so thankful to them, and I love them. I respect them. I come to them for advice. Then, I make my own decision. I give them both a solid 'A+.' (to my parents: Thank you both so much; I love you)

Today, my parents earned another 'A+.' My brother turned 18 today, and he's been making his own decisions for a while now. They raised the two of us differently. They did not treat us the same. It drove us both crazy, but it worked twice. They gave each of us what we needed growing up, and, now, my little brother is ready to enter the world and take care of himself. (Kenneth, I love you. Good luck, you got this)

The moral: Parents - help your kids grow up then let them go. Some will fly, some will fall first, but they have to do it on their own. You can't always be there. Kids - don't let your parent(s) control your life. Everyone is capable (on some level) of making good decisions on their own, so do just that.

What happens when you [pay attention]...

So, I was checking my profile today for whatever reason, and I noticed that it thought that I was over one thousand years old because I put down 87 as my birth year instead of 1987... computers are so stupid...

Anyway... is it bad that I noticed the mistake based on my zodiac animal instead of my age?