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How did you raise your kids?

(72 Posts)
Seasidenana Fri 06-Jan-17 10:22:19

All three of my kids are kind, caring, hard working young people and very good parents so we must have done something right. I do have regrets though. I had my kids very young and much of the time was trying to survive financially and get on the career ladder so they may not have had as much attention as they should. I'm also sad that they probably heard quite a few marital arguments, and witnessed me constantly trying to keep the peace by giving in to my ex. All my efforts were in vain as he wanted a younger model when he hit 50. He didn't leave until they were adults, but I do wonder if their childhood would have been happier if I had left him as I often considered doing. Now they have to visit grandparents separately and i know it's hard for them all.

DanniRae Fri 06-Jan-17 09:53:49

We never had any special plans bringing up our three children but they have all turned out to be hard working, caring and we are proud of them all. I think we were both very lucky with our parents and just brought them up as we were brought up.

TerriBull Fri 06-Jan-17 09:50:54

I like the tweet though, both my kids have, in my opinion, a great sense of humour and are good mimics and can see the ridiculous in all sorts of situations, so yes we do have a good laugh at get togethers.

TerriBull Fri 06-Jan-17 09:47:10

I did my best, and made mistakes and with hindsight would have handled certain things differently. I know I didn't want them to be shaped or indoctrinated by religion like I was, my parents were strict Catholics, in fact my younger son has told me that he's glad I didn't bring him up as one, particularly after reading "The God Delusion" but at the same time I think I wanted to imbue them with an open mind to an omnipresent god, not sure I have succeeded with that one. I have been told by both of them since they became adults that they had a great childhood and we have been good parents, so I guess we must have done something right.

Rinouchka Fri 06-Jan-17 09:35:30

Accidentally. But they survived!

tanith Fri 06-Jan-17 09:29:21

The best way I knew , I'm sure I got some stuff wrong but I'm proud of all of them.

Teetime Fri 06-Jan-17 09:26:35

To think about others before themselves and to work hard which she does beautifully.

Anya Fri 06-Jan-17 09:25:39

I didn't consciously raise my kids, they just fitted into our lives and grew up within the family. Today's families seem to revolve almost entirely around their children.

Not sure if this is a good things as 1) how will these parents cope with the empty nest later and 2) how will their children cope when they're not the centre of the universe?

Greenfinch Fri 06-Jan-17 09:25:14

We muddled through spending a lot of time playing with them and listening to them.

Greyduster Fri 06-Jan-17 09:15:42

To be honest, respectful, compassionate and kind. They both seem to have inherited our work ethic, and have done well enough at school and in their subsequent careers, but I hope, above all, we have brought them up to be comfortable in their own skins.

Antonia Fri 06-Jan-17 09:11:35

I don't remember consciously bringing them up with any particular values in mind, but they are both hard working, kind girls so something must have seeped through.

Marmark1 Fri 06-Jan-17 09:10:11

I must add.Obviously some very good people on here,going by some of posts.

Marmark1 Fri 06-Jan-17 09:08:02

We must have done it right then,because my son will make you laugh,he's a hard worker,good father,stupid husband [ gives in too easily] well liked by everyone.Takes his parents for granted,[thats my fault] We live by the mantra,treat other people as you would want them to treat you,so he was brought up that way.
Having said that,its very different today,I think most people's feelings are pull up the bleddy ladder Jack,I'm ok.But I'm too old to change now,I'm nobody's fool though,[dont you bleddy dare] once crossed,that's it.

Cherrytree59 Fri 06-Jan-17 09:03:29

To respect people and animals.
To have good manners.

To allow them the freedom to play outside with their friends
Running about, cycling, roller skating building dens etc
Only time they didn't go out was when there was fog!

merlotgran Fri 06-Jan-17 09:00:58

Laid back and funny but with a strong work ethic and the courage to meet life's challenges head on.

aggie Fri 06-Jan-17 08:56:41

Honesty was the main thing in our house , mind you at my eldests big birthday lately , we heard some hair raising episodes that we were blissfully unaware of at the time !

Christinefrance Fri 06-Jan-17 08:51:44

Yes I think we all hope we have instilled good values in our children. There is a lot to get said though for having a sense of fun and seeing our children enjoying life too.

Maggiemaybe Fri 06-Jan-17 08:50:23

Well they've turned out very well in all departments. I don't know how much of that we can take credit for though smile

DH did once say one of them kept us on our toes, one kept us guessing, and one kept us laughing.

hildajenniJ Fri 06-Jan-17 08:40:42

I hope I've brought them up to be kind and considerate, with a good work ethic.

Ankers Fri 06-Jan-17 08:30:25

Serious. And their talk seasoned with salt.

Jayanna9040 Fri 06-Jan-17 08:26:43

To take responsibility for themselves and their actions.

thatbags Fri 06-Jan-17 08:16:58

This tweet, by @J_indetroit, gave me the idea for a lighthearted chat thread about how we brought up our kids.

the tweet says: "Forget all that parenting mumbo jumbo. I've raised my kids to be funny so they can make me laugh".

I'll kick off with: Yes, funny. But kickass as well.

You?