The Parent Trap

I used to say to myself I would give my son everything I didn't have growing up. Then I realized I had everything I needed... just not all I wanted. I didn't know the difference til that moment in time.

Babies don't come with a set of instructions so people tend to parent from a place of guilt. Guilt about relationships with their parents or lack thereof or guilt about missed opportunities at doing your best with previous kids.

We allow our kids to become these horrible little people wielding power they shouldn't possess. They control our lives with cashier tantrums and restaurant meltdowns while patrons look on in judgement anticipating you to tap them legs.

To spank or not to spank has become heavily debated, but wasn't even a question when I was growing up. I was spanked and I turned out fine.

My wife and I discussed prior to Jax being born at what point do we tap those little legs. You have to be sure you and your partner are heading in the same direction on the parenting express train early on. Kids can sense dissension in the ranks and will use it for their benefit. I recently read that France made spanking illegal. Imagine me being arrested because Jax had a tantrum in the Louvre and I had to tap them legs. "Spare the rod, spoil the child"...or nah?

I've learned some important things over the last 16 months.

Jax will not die from a stern "NO".

As long as he's not hurt, letting him cry doesn't mean I don't love him.

Each moment with our child is a reflection of the past and a foundation for the future.

What you pour into your child is the adult you send into the world. Prepare them. Don't cripple them.

Spoiled kids are different from brats.

Brats are kids whose parents fell into the Parent Trap.