I think one of the most valuable things my parents did while raising me was resolving [most] of their conflicts in front of us. Whenever they had an argument, they resolved it and found a solution... and typically let us see the process. They did not let arguments persist, nor did they let them die down without some sort of resolution or compromise. The end result was that I grew up with a vision of how to resolve problems with mutual love and respect.
Dave, congrats! You're going to be a great dad. Here is all my essential first-year parenting advice: 1. 6-8 hrs of sleep a night is important, but nobody said it needed to be contiguous 2. Always pack a change of clothes, lest you also need to purchase a new non-vomit-soaked shirt from the National Gallery of Art gift shop 3. If you can, *make sure your baby-mama delivers at a hospital with a tertiary NICU* and preferably not Georgetown.
How are all of these kids so darn smart and expressive! So much better to listen to them than SOOOO many adults!!! P.s. congratulations to you and your partner 🎉
I’m 14 (turning 15 soon), so here’s my advice: - Instill the desire to learn at an early age. I can’t stress this enough, as learning outside of school becomes more and more important as time goes on. Say, when they’re 4-5, buy a membership at your local science center and continually take them there for a good time. You can also do stuff like show them videos about engineering and science, especially between the ages of 5-10. Anything, wether it be showing them cool science and engineering videos at dinner or enrolling them in the state science fair, anything is good. - Don't stigmatize therapy. My family did this, and my sister did self harm, and my brother repeatedly abused me and my family. All things considered, I’m in a pretty shitty spot, and I’ve been in this spot for around a year now. A lot of this could’ve been easily avoided with therapy. - Encourage them to learn about politics (around ages 10 up). Politics is increasingly important in everyday lives, because politics has the power to make our lives better or worse. I’d teach them about democratic socialism, and why it’s important, along with stuff like unions, capitalists, lobbying, etc. - Encourage green practices. We are increasingly affected by climate change, and every little thing counts. Stuff like taking a bike to places, using public transit, etc. In many cities they have reduced or free fares on public transit for youth, so let them take advantage of that. - Instill a volunteer mindset. This is incredibly important, as without volunteers and community organizing, there will be nothing like unions, or people helping in homeless shelters, or whatever. Volunteerism is not only good for other people, it’s good for you as it lets you know that you’re actively helping others out. Congratulations, and good luck!
Wow you’re only 14 years old and you have such a great understanding/ outlook about the world and future 😊 I’m so sorry about the situations that you and your family have dealt with. I know that we don’t know each other but if this is what kids/ teens are talking about I truly am happy for the future and proud of you! I hope wonderful things for you ❤
Awww this was so great, love hanging out with kids. Their point of view is so unique! Congrats Dave I'm sure you'll be a wonderful father!! From one fellow Morgan with a large sibling group to another, I feel for you sister, never fall for the favoritism bait!! Hahaha
Having worked in childcare for over 20 years now, and having seen the results of all kinds of parenting, I will say my biggest bit of advice is watch what you say around your kids. For one, the whole, "monkey see, monkey do" adage is highly relevant, but even more so kids are sponges for negative talk. The number of times I've seen a kid crippled by something as simple as, "what is wrong with you?" in a moment of frustration...
Not sure if this is still told to parents that want their children to be bilingual or not, but I've had friends that they were told that each parent should only speak their mother tongue to there child. So your wife would speak Spanish and you would speak English all of the time.
Funny how turning buzzfeed into leftist trash like Wapo post Bezos actually caused it to go under. Fortunately these guys at Wapo never have to turn a profit.
What a remarkably closeminded opinion. Kids haveuseful insights, fresh perspectives to help you understand your own kids. Should you do what they tell you to do unthinkingly? No, obviously not. You shouldnt do that with any advice. The point of seeking advice is to broaden ones perspective and give oneself new avenues to consider
