Parenting

There are obviously as many perspectives on parenting as there are parents and children. But how often do we take the child's perspective into consideration?

Check out this paragraph (taken from Agnes Callard's "Open Socrates"):
One day my mom came home from work early and was surprised not to find me there. Unbeknownst to her, I'd developed the habit of reading on the way home from school, working my way alphabetically through the junior high library. A 20-minute walk often took hours. That day she peppered me with questions: where I'd been, what homework I had, when I planned to do it, whether I had tests coming up, my time management plans. In retrospect, she must've been worried. At the time, I thought she was trying to suddenly take charge of my life. I wasn't angry, just oddly detached: Today's the day you want to start parenting me? But I already have a way of doing this. I felt sure tomorrow would look the same — a new library book, hours of wandering, pausing at exciting passages, crossing streets by peripheral vision, homework ignored until the last minute. None of that was how my mother wanted me to live, but I felt sure I'd keep living that way. And I was right.

What can we as (grand)-parents learn from this perspective. Is it really necessary to always be 'in control' of our children and shape them according to our desires, norms and wishes or is there something unique in all of us which just wants to nurtured in order to grow?

With these (and those questions you brinng along and share) we shall take a different look at parenting. So whether you are actively parenting or passively being parented, come along and share your story for all of us to learn from.
---

Suggested contribution: €12.00 - €15.00
This amount includes one non-alcoholic beverage. Additional or alcoholic drinks are at your own expense.
€12,00: If you transfer the money in advance to:
Hugo Skoppek, NL63 TRIO 0212 4223 08
together with the payment notice: "Parenting
€15,00 correct amount in cash: If you have not paid in advance.
Thank you.