Attempting to discuss on helicopter vs. authoritative parenting, I was challenged about having the ability to parent or not;
"You mean, since I don't have children, I don't know what it's to be a parent?"
"Well, that's not what I mean... you don't have children, you know?"
"I took care of many children, including my cousins, that meant babies to adolescents. I have three godchildren. Have you EVER taken care of 11 teenagers under your roof for 6 weeks? Especially them being all girls... have you?"
"Eleven girls- how did you do that?"
"With a sense of humor; a routine for chores; clear rules with enforcing responsibility for actions; listening and empathy; not taking B.S; and also to know that I'm not perfect, but I did my best. Even the kids knew that and appreciated that."
A pause, then "I guess you do know how to parent."
Nice to know I get approval to parent... (sarcasm)
(Note: I was a summer counselor. Two other counselors, who were teamed with me, were too busy with their summer flings and gossip, leaving me alone with the teenagers in a range of age 13 to 16. Including two kids that had a history of being kicked out in past years- but they managed to complete the stay with me. All sharing a cabin with two toilets, even so. Gotta love Camp Endeavor in FL!)
WOW!!!! KUDOS to you for being able to handle that, Julie!!! The closest thing to a parenting experience I had was my 3-month stint at a local daycare, but then again I was never alone - there was always at least two other people with me.
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