No one’s perfect, even parents, but some really drop the ball in certain areas. BuzzFeed asked parents to share what they do or teach their kids that their own parents never did for them. These are some of the most touching and eye-opening responses.
- "I'm going to have 'the talk' with my kids. I think my parents hoped that my ultra-conservative school would have it with us, but *spoiler alert* they didn't. Transparency will be key when my children are teenagers."
- "For my kids, I’m saving money. They've had their own savings accounts since birth, and will eventually have their own stocks. I’ll educate them about finances and planning for the future … I had none of that and wasn’t taught a thing."
- "I make sure to hug my son and tell him I love him. I don’t remember ever being hugged, and it made me very uncomfortable with touch later in life. I know my parents loved me, but hearing them say it would’ve been nice."
- "There are two things that I work very hard to make sure my daughter knows. The first thing is that 'No' is a full sentence and an acceptable answer. The second thing I want my daughter to know is that blood does not mean family. Just because you are blood-related to someone doesn't mean they deserve a place in your life."
- "Be silly. My parents had me when they were in their 30s, and they were rarely ever playful or fun."
- "I teach my kid that all emotions are okay, and that no emotion is inherently bad, weak, or wrong. It’s okay to be mad, and it's okay to be sad. Having a lack of emotional display does NOT equal strength."
- "I will never show favoritism. My mother openly favored my brother. She would buy him presents and give them to him in front of me, so I acted out as a teen for attention."
- "We couldn't ever afford to travel when I was growing up, so I've tried to take my kids traveling as much as possible."
- "I show my daughter that I take care of myself, too! My mom never had her own hobbies and never relaxed, so it made me think that to be a good mom, I couldn't do those things either."
Source: BuzzFeed
Scott's Thoughts:
- As an adult, I’m still learning that “no” is a complete sentence. Good for that mom & her kid!
- Even in a divorce situation I have always tried to stay close to my kids.
- What’s one of the best things your parents did for you that you’re also doing for your child?