Last week, my older son was denied, as punishment, attending football. It was his Dad’s suggestion but our decision. These decisions aren’t easy. Meanwhile, the younger one is on a new pair of sandals every 6-8 weeks.
We’re aware of how blessed our kids are with the lifestyle we afford them. Keeping the kids rooted in reality is one of the recurring themes in expat conversations. Another is the balance of enjoying the present while saving for the future especially as university fees in the UK are quickly catching up with USA ones.
The lessons don’t have to be harsh. A few days earlier, I got in and the tv was off but the living room was still noisy. My three boys were engaged in a battle of junior monopoly which is quite different from adult monopoly but a fun way of teaching financial fundamentals remains.
Whether it’s the step or the steer, many of our approaches to parenting, is a direct reflection of how we were parented. Whenever my brother is complemented on his son’s behaviour, he remarks that he’s just doing what he knows, parenting as he was parented.
When you’re a kid you think your dad will be around forever. A few friends lost their dads this year and this reminds us of our dads’ mortality. It’s been 6 years since I last saw mine. We talk, not as often as I’d like but an 8 hour time difference will do that to you. I’m praying that I get to see him this year and he meets his, at the time of writing, only grandchildren.
I often find myself doing or saying things that remind me of Daddy. And I see his traits in both sons and can’t wait for him to discover them too. Until we see you, Happy Fathers’ day Daddy from my boys and me.
Happy Father’s day to my husband who’s doing a fine job on raising his sons.
Have you wished someone Happy Fathers’ Day today?