Guiding Your Children as They Step Into Independence

home insemination Kit

After nearly 15 years of marriage, I’ve become somewhat of an authority on the quirks of raising both a son and a daughter (at least in our household). My partner could lose a game of hide-and-seek with the mayonnaise in the fridge, while I can’t navigate my way out of a paper bag. We’re both champions at being right (unfortunately), and while I have zero interest in car mechanics, he can recite random facts about the Tour de France from decades ago. It creates a unique balance.

We have a son and a daughter, both of whom are watching us navigate this imperfect journey of parenthood. We strive to treat them equally, but undeniably, there are distinct lessons tailored for each as they learn from our (many) missteps.

For Our Son, We Aim to Teach:

• To respect toilet seats.
• To embrace his true self, regardless of societal expectations.
• To gauge his audience when it comes to telling jokes (we’re working hard on this one).
• How to wash and fold laundry like a pro.
• To always get enough dessert for two, even if his date claims she doesn’t want any—trust me, she might change her mind!
• To avoid being the obnoxious alpha male who insists on having the last word.
• To find lost items, regardless of whether they’re in plain sight.
• The importance of asking for permission before touching someone else’s body.
• How to uplift others and make them feel valued.
• How to converse confidently with strangers on the phone.
• To hold doors open for everyone.
• To compliment his partner frequently—especially on her appearance.
• To seek out the beauty in others, even when it’s hard to see.
• To give more than he receives.
• The art of friendship.
• To fall in love deeply, even if it means struggling to pick oneself up afterward.

For Our Daughter, We Wish to Instill:

• The finesse of a well-timed kick to the groin.
• How to change a flat tire with confidence.
• The best techniques for asking someone out on a date.
• The importance of maintaining friendships.
• How to get what she wants (you know what I’m talking about).
• To appreciate her own beauty, even when it’s not apparent.
• To compliment her partner often—especially on his appearance.
• That traveling, dining, or going to the movies alone can be a joy.
• The power of never apologizing for simply being a woman.
• The value of listening more than speaking (we’re still working on this one).
• To trust her instincts.
• How to make her voice heard (I’m not too worried on this front).
• That she must grant permission for anyone to touch her body.
• That eating more vegetables is often easier than maintaining a life of dieting.
• To embrace her true self, especially when societal norms say otherwise.
• To dive into love completely, understanding the potential for heartache.

Of course, many of these lessons are universal, and I acknowledge that our journey may look different from others. It’s disheartening to realize there are things I wish I didn’t have to teach my daughter—like the ability to walk home safely at night without fear. I also wish my son didn’t need reminders about consent; it should be instinctual. Yet, we press on, hoping to equip them for a world that will hopefully catch up.

For more insights into parenting and family dynamics, check out this other blog post, which offers valuable information on navigating these challenges. And for those interested in exploring family-building options, this is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.

Summary:

As parents, we strive to guide our children through the complexities of growing up, imparting wisdom tailored to each child’s unique path. From teaching our son about respect and self-awareness to empowering our daughter with confidence and independence, our goal is to prepare them for a world where they can thrive. Although the lessons can be daunting, we remain hopeful for a future where these teachings become less necessary.