I've made a few good friends here, but none of them involves kids. As you may have figured out, I'm really strict. I give guidelines and by obeying those, freedom is gained. For example, my kids in parks know where I am, they check in, and go about finding their ways. I do not help them climb, and I won't fetch them, the best I will do is that I tell them kindly they fucked up.
To most here in the land of over protecting, this all is too dangerous. I see it the other way around. I see it like this: If a kid doesn't learn early on to mind their own limits, I will never see them growing up.
A big difference. A huge cap. So, let's say my daughter mentions her best friend in every sentence of hers?
Sure, the mother knows me, we've become fast friends. But knowing this huge cap in the culture of parenting and she has witnessed it often, would she let her bride and joy to spend the morning with us? Normally I would not have asked, but there is a limit to how many times a name can be mentioned before mom texts to the other.
She knows me. She knows what I drive, how I see the world, hell, she knows that I see my kids in the parks only while near water, or when the need to pee hits.
My English is far from perfect. My attitude is not suitable for Washington. Our way of life is not seen as the perfect way, since we come as we are.
What my first born does: she finds us friends we can talk to, relate to, have conversations with.
You and I would think the dad would have more sense, but no. A real kid was released to spend time with us.
As this blogs last post in this topic,( next one will be the last weekend) The last parenting related post: The tips of the day are, remember these:
1. Find the parents you can truly like. Find the ones who see different ways and value the lessons learned. (I don't do hero worshiping, but she is a foot shorter than I, but packs so much guts I will not live through it if I piss her off)
2. Dads are the followers at best. They do as WE tell them to, because none of them want to piss us off.
So, back to my day. Kids up, feed them, the weather sucks so don't promise the best friend will be available, text the mom.
"she's so excited, yeah, go get her!".
I truly mean it when I say it, but she made my day, not the kid. She knows how I drive, hows I parent, hell, she is an actual friend of mine and still she lets me steal her kiddo! :D
The dad had the whole daddy bear routine down, schedules and all, but even he was fine with our two cultures mixing. That I see as the new landmark of culture sensitive parenting. (also, their daughter was apparently told by my girl that eating without a knife in your hand is wrong, so it took a sec to explain that mac and cheese can be a spoon only food!)
If they ever are stuck with my kids, I can only hope mine will act as well.
Now, here are all the pictures of my kids and their and cars day I could capture:
Yeah, children were around, I am sure.
To say meeting the parents was a relief is an understatement. I mean, real people in the USA? In Washington? Shock. :D
Anna
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