Having children is the greatest joy, and the fact that the younger generation isn't having kids because of climate change is VERY weird.
On the one hand, I think they might not make very good parents because being a parent takes some courage to be able to see your kids fail in order to grow.
On the other hand, I think they have been brainwashed and they should read Bjorn Lomborg to be deprogrammed and regain the ability to lead a fulfilling life.
In July, I get to become a grandparent. I can't wait!
Couldn't agree more with all the thoughts! My first and second sons taught me very similar lessons to your first and second, and I wouldn't change a thing about having kids. I miss those years a ton. I'm now an empty nester with kids who all left home by 19 and I gotta say, no one talked about how challenging it is — or taught us moms how to live without our children when they fly out of the nest. You go from having your most important job in the world, being a mom, to suddenly being unemployed, so to speak, when they leave. At least that is how it was with my independent sons. Even though I've always had a career, I loved being a mom the most.
Thank you for sharing authentically as always. I appreciate your wisdom and perspective. Things like “Boys love their moms but they identify with their dads.” I had not thought of that, and yes, it’s so true. I’m seeing that with my 13 year old son now. And the insight on all the things being in the margins except 1 & 2 was a nice reminder. Thank you and Happy Mother’s Day!
Can’t wait to hear what you love about being a grandma when those days come. Blessings on top of blessings, and you will have something smart and wonderful and true to say. Not to nudge…
A very sweet essay. And I hope you're right that chores aren't critical.. since I'm not succeeding in that with my kids. But I wish that I did. Who knows what will happen in their lives, and not everyone finds a job they love, but doing work for the benefit of your family can feel very grounding. Otherwise, if parents have a trade, skills, or any professional knowledge, they should transmit it to the kids as much as possible; this can only help in life. Finally, everyone wants their kid to become a "good person" (be not too selfish, yet think for yourself), but the recipe for achieving this is elusive and seems to vary a lot from one child to another.
Glad to hear your parents are doing well. I remember them from Parkettes and I remember your dad as having a razor sharp sense of humor and your mom as being amazing at putting up with Mrs Strauss. If that doesn’t show motherly love, nothing does.
Crazy and beautiful that I got to be a part of ur life, around ur mom & dad when we were kids and now to get to see you as a mom is such a neat circle, full of both memories and new blessings.
It’s nice and fulfilling to be that pseudo-aunt to the kids of those I love, in a world where I am not a biological aunt or mother. My kids are my animals, which is what God evidently intended for me.
I feel blessed that despite not having my own children, I was able to experience what being a child to the most amazing mother in the world was like.
When it comes to celebrating Mother’s Day, of course I celebrate her, but I also know she smiles down on my sister & I and says, “I think I did pretty good”, her final words. I’d have to say that’s more than an understatement!
Thank you Mom for your unconditional love and your support of me to be my own person, no matter what that entailed.
Thank you for articulating the joy of having a child! My son is my light. I could only have one child and I hit the jackpot. He is the smartest person I know and my best friend. Every day I say out loud .... thank you Lord, how blessed am I!? I fumbled along as a new mom, followed my instincts and it wasn't easy at times. I know I made many mistakes but like to think a bit of his success as a decent person and making his successful way in life is maybe a tiny part of his mom's and more, a big part of God's unconditional love. I could not ask for anything more.
Thanx Jen for everything never thought of myself like that but so happy I was LU❤️
Having children is the greatest joy, and the fact that the younger generation isn't having kids because of climate change is VERY weird.
On the one hand, I think they might not make very good parents because being a parent takes some courage to be able to see your kids fail in order to grow.
On the other hand, I think they have been brainwashed and they should read Bjorn Lomborg to be deprogrammed and regain the ability to lead a fulfilling life.
In July, I get to become a grandparent. I can't wait!
Couldn't agree more with all the thoughts! My first and second sons taught me very similar lessons to your first and second, and I wouldn't change a thing about having kids. I miss those years a ton. I'm now an empty nester with kids who all left home by 19 and I gotta say, no one talked about how challenging it is — or taught us moms how to live without our children when they fly out of the nest. You go from having your most important job in the world, being a mom, to suddenly being unemployed, so to speak, when they leave. At least that is how it was with my independent sons. Even though I've always had a career, I loved being a mom the most.
This was just wonderful to read Jennifer , thx for introducing the marvelous children you have ! All the best to you !
Beautiful mom, beautiful family, beautiful tribute to motherhood ❤️
Thank you for sharing authentically as always. I appreciate your wisdom and perspective. Things like “Boys love their moms but they identify with their dads.” I had not thought of that, and yes, it’s so true. I’m seeing that with my 13 year old son now. And the insight on all the things being in the margins except 1 & 2 was a nice reminder. Thank you and Happy Mother’s Day!
Can’t wait to hear what you love about being a grandma when those days come. Blessings on top of blessings, and you will have something smart and wonderful and true to say. Not to nudge…
I suspect I have a bit of time but I look forward to it!
A very sweet essay. And I hope you're right that chores aren't critical.. since I'm not succeeding in that with my kids. But I wish that I did. Who knows what will happen in their lives, and not everyone finds a job they love, but doing work for the benefit of your family can feel very grounding. Otherwise, if parents have a trade, skills, or any professional knowledge, they should transmit it to the kids as much as possible; this can only help in life. Finally, everyone wants their kid to become a "good person" (be not too selfish, yet think for yourself), but the recipe for achieving this is elusive and seems to vary a lot from one child to another.
Glad to hear your parents are doing well. I remember them from Parkettes and I remember your dad as having a razor sharp sense of humor and your mom as being amazing at putting up with Mrs Strauss. If that doesn’t show motherly love, nothing does.
All of those things are true!
Merle putting up with Donna Strauss shows a certain level of love right there!!!
Crazy and beautiful that I got to be a part of ur life, around ur mom & dad when we were kids and now to get to see you as a mom is such a neat circle, full of both memories and new blessings.
It’s nice and fulfilling to be that pseudo-aunt to the kids of those I love, in a world where I am not a biological aunt or mother. My kids are my animals, which is what God evidently intended for me.
I feel blessed that despite not having my own children, I was able to experience what being a child to the most amazing mother in the world was like.
When it comes to celebrating Mother’s Day, of course I celebrate her, but I also know she smiles down on my sister & I and says, “I think I did pretty good”, her final words. I’d have to say that’s more than an understatement!
Thank you Mom for your unconditional love and your support of me to be my own person, no matter what that entailed.
I love and miss you every single day❣️😘
Well said!
Thank you for articulating the joy of having a child! My son is my light. I could only have one child and I hit the jackpot. He is the smartest person I know and my best friend. Every day I say out loud .... thank you Lord, how blessed am I!? I fumbled along as a new mom, followed my instincts and it wasn't easy at times. I know I made many mistakes but like to think a bit of his success as a decent person and making his successful way in life is maybe a tiny part of his mom's and more, a big part of God's unconditional love. I could not ask for anything more.
Absolutely beautiful - thanks for sharing Jennifer ❤️
Beautifully written!! Thank you so much for your HONESTY!!
Thank you !