parenting

Life with young people is rarely calm. From wake up until bedtime, children of all ages require attention and energy from their grown up caregivers. Although parents of teenagers have a little more freedom, the mental demands remain substantial.

“You look fantastic today. I love what you’re wearing.”

“Thanks. I know. This skirt will swirl perfectly on the monkey bars. I am really good at monkey bars. Dad, did you sign my report card and put it in my backpack? Yesterday you forgot and it was very embarrassing when I didn’t have it for the teacher.”

I can’t decide if my five year old daughter is self-confident with natural leadership qualities, (a good thing), or a bossy, narcissistic, perfectionist (not so good).

Superman is my son’s favourite superhero because he is the leader and he is the strongest. Or so he says.

“But he doesn’t show up for work.”

“Well only when he is catching bad guys and doing more important things. Metropolis would be toast without him.”

“Oh, well that’s okay then.”

“Yeah... isn’t it?”

There comes a time when most children will ask: Do you always have to tell the truth?

And the response will inevitably be: To your parents, yes, you must always tell the truth.

“Is it always bad to lie? “

“There are people who think that art exists for its own sake, but I do not think so. Art exists for the human species. I think that all of the people who love art, those who teach art, and all of you, should burn with the obligation to save the world.”