Parenting

When asked about my parenting style, Ernest says I'm lenient.  I counter with, "but you never do anything bad!"  He and his brother never did anything that was punishable.  Well, toddler Frank did bite my chin every time I picked him up but it was out of love and how could I punish that.  I gave him a doggie chew toy instead.  And what could I do, ground them?  When their favorite place to be was at home?  I could, I suppose, have sent them to a party or something.  Anyway, life's been pretty smooth with those two.

 Here comes Frank with his chompers circa 1992.

And chewing on his favorite toy hammer a few months later.

Ernest is longing for his driver's license.  He says he feels bad because I have to drive him everywhere.  I keep telling him I don't mind at all.  My mother hated driving and didn't want to take me anywhere.  I feel I missed out on a lot, and I never wanted my sons to feel that way.  He tells me he hates asking.  I say I'll miss the chance to talk to him.

Because that's when we have these fascinating discussions.  This carried over to his piano lesson last night.  The teacher related another student's comments on how much Ernest has been able to accomplish but the girl complained "he doesn't hang out or go on Facebook."  Ernest just laughed when he heard this.  That's his secret.  He doesn't waste his time.  That, and getting enough sleep.