Always have considered myself a good mom, although I now (62) have learned that I have emotionally neglected both my children (35 and 33) to a degree, as most parents have, and do, according to Dr. Jonice Webb. You can find her on Youtube. View a brief interview here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ0Ntv6myFM I have her book "Running on Empty" and it is an eye-opener about parenting styles. My adult son who is not a reader (!), took an immediate interest in it and has recognized himself in various examples described.
But as far as the practical side of parenting goes, I fed our children healthy foods and steered clear of chips, sweets and soda. Reserved all that for special occasions including birthdays. I have been guilty of feeding my kids cereal most mornings, but always sent a healthy lunch with them to school. They were the kids with the most unusual lunches; like leftover mac & cheese with a bit of salad .
So, for me the hardest thing of being a grandparent now is to witness what the grandkids get to eat! Our oldest grandson who is a shared custody child, gets to eat sugared mini donuts for breakfast, and drinks soda when he is with his mom, my ex DIL! On the mornings she used to drop him off at my house so I could take him to school, I always saw to it he got to eat something healthy like a slice of whole grain, reduced sugar, pumpkin or zucchini bread (he also loved boiled eggs to scoop out) and made sure he drank a cup of milk. The lunches his mom sends along for school are those horrid Lunchables, or a jelly sandwich made with white bread.
What are your challenges as a grandparent?
Bought the wrong Hot Cross Buns 😩
How much do you spend on yourself?
Water Pollution -“ A National Disgrace”? A case for renationalisation?