Clinton Township Newsletter

3 s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 9 – Julie Fl�nn from Carol Beder's n Reach Over 14,000 Local Consumers Monthly n Change Your Message Monthly n Have Your Ad Designed – Free! n Run a Small Article (about 150 words) – Free! n Have your ad linked to your website at: www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com email us at: Want your message seen by over 14,000 readers? When you advertise in the Clinton Township Newsletter you can: ctnl@comcast.net While I was driving my two youngest kids one day, I overheard my daughter tell her younger brother the following revelation she had during her freshman year at college, "You know, one thing I realized after leaving home was that there is no reason why we shouldn't be successful. If we don't do well, it's on us." "Wow!!! Explain please!" I asked. She went on to say that they had been given everything they needed to have a happy, successful life. (By the way, there are many ways to define "success" and, in my opinion, financial freedom is only one of them.) Two loving, caring parents... a community that cares about them... excellent (public) education... healthcare... good health. Parenting is stressful, but every once in awhile it feels as though everything's working out as it should. I've learned many things in the past quarter of a century of parenting, and here are a couple of them, in no particular order. This seems obvious but there are times when you'll wonder why on earth they chose a certain thing, or made a certain decision, which seems opposite to that which we would choose. Well, the reason is that 1) Our children are not us. 2) Follow your gut. You know your child better than anyone, however... 3) Be open to what other parents and the school administration are telling you about your child. They might know the person your child is away from your house and at school better than you do. 4) Anything in the house that can be broken, will be broken. It took me a while to figure this out, but after I did life became much simpler. Luckily, this chapter doesn't last forever, and once it ended, it was so great to be able to have breakables in our house again. 5) Creativity is more important than tidiness. This is easier if you're a creative type. Take a lot of deep breaths and remember that the house will eventually be tidy again (and you'll miss all of the little craft projects and kid stuff that's everywhere). 6) Children need to learn to be their own advocate. Our job is to be their #1 advocate when they're small, and then eventually have them take over the role. Where that line is, I'm not sure. You'll know it when you come to it. 7) "I already did third grade." This was a line said often by my neighbor, and I love it. She meant, it's our childrens' responsibility to do their own homework and projects. We've already been there and done that. 8) Truly, children need consistency. It allows them to feel that all is right with their world. 9) Children need your time. Quality is good. Quantity is better. 10) We're raising adults, not children. As such, if we want them to be respectful, caring adults someday, we have to show them care and respect. They grow up fast. Before you know it, they'll be treating others with care and respect too. 11) A sense of humor helps. Recently, our three kids had a siblings weekend in NYC. They totally planned it on their own, which thrilled me to no end. I texted them my usual: "Have fun, be safe!" and my daughter texted back, "We're gonna be SO dangerous!" Lol, but seriously, be safe kids. 12) When my first child was born, it occurred to me that our children are really on loan to us for a short time. At some point we have to let go and give them back to the world. This hits home with each adventure they take: their first bike ride around the neighborhood with friends and no parents, first day of school, moving into college or going off to the military, first trip out of the country alone, and the list goes on, which leads me to the most important lesson I've learned: 13) Hug them and tell them you love them – often. Enjoy your fall, y'all!

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