How do you plan on raising your children?
I was very much a free range limited rules kind of parent. There were 5 rules that were never to be broken and everything else was negotiable. Anything other than an unequivocal yes was a no, end of story. The more st aggravating moment of parenthood was when he learned how to tattle in head start. If no one was hurt, I didn’t want to hear it.
If I'd had children, I'd have raised them as atheists. I'd have raised them to reject all suggestion that any gods have ever existed. I'd have raised them to be anti-theist.
I'd have raised them to question all authority, except mine.
Raised/Raising my kids to be culturally Jewish because my heritage is important to me. I am also teaching them how to think and not what to think. I give them responsibility over their own life and let them learn from their mistakes. They can choose what they want to believe. If they make an argument I insist they back their claims up with facts.
Simple.
I was also raised Jewish and raised my son Jewish. I think you are correct in letting them figure out what is right for them but not to totally let go of what their heritage is. I have since changed my thought process on religion due to incidents that have happened along the way but again there are a few things I can never change.
Already did. These were my guiding rules:
Provide for their basic needs. One of those needs was a harmonious household. If I disciplined it was because I needed a harmonious household for myself. I did not know how to shape their character, nor was it possible.
Enjoy their presence. Play. Take delight in their progress.
They are not your property, They belong to themselves, and deserve the utmost respect.
They will follow your actions, not your words.
Take care of your own self first. The only purpose of life is not to raise children.
That last one. "Take care of your own self first" is huge. Probably the most important than anything else.
I don't. I got fixed in my 20s, and have never looked back. More than enough kids in this world imo. Nothing against those who choose to have kids, but not for me
I appreciate your candor and your choice. I wish more men would men would make that decision. I've heard so many men say they don't want kids, but want to sleep with any available female and not be responsible for where their seed lands.
@HippieChick58 lol. I'm totally ok with the sleeping around part, adults can make adult decisions about aht to do with their bodies. It's just the unwanted pregnancy part that I would prefer to avoid.
Free vasectomies for everyone!
Plan all you want but in the end it is sort of a seat of your pants, hope for the best, and try to help them figure out how to live a good life. My advise: hold them as often as you can, always talk to them (even when the never ending 'why' questions begin), listen as best you can, and encourage them to try new things.
Mine are 21 and 18. Almost at the end of fledging from the nest. How did I do... who the hell knows.
Oh - and tell them you love them everyday with a hug for as long as you can.
Seriously, I raised my kids in the church. They're all adults now, 26 to 33 years old. Two are flat out atheists, and one flies low cuz she likes to stay in Daddy's good graces. Raise them to think for themselves and they will figure it out. Their dad encouraged critical thinking but had a blind eye to the church, and he gradually morphed to totally brainwashed by the church. However, the kids are smarter than that.
Jokes on you, I plan on having a vasectomy. No matter what I may try to hypothetically instill it's not me vs. kid.
It's me vs. all the other children, their parents, the media, society, peer pressure, youthful ignorance/arrogance. etc...
Not a battle/war I care to fight. I can barely hold it on my own, I'm not going to pass that off on a helpless kid.
I raised mine to be respectful, kind & honest. To seek truth, to understand whats popular is seldom right & what is right is seldom popular or easy. To call bs when its bs, to not bully & that people are people. I taught them how to change a car tire, check their fluids, how to dribnle a badketball & how to effectively tackle in football. I taught the how to use a bait caster & how to throw a good hook to the body (follow through with your elbow). I taught them to tske pride in their work & to do it well. Your word is your bond. I taught them that reading will take you everywhere without leaving home. I was a single mom of 2 boys. All the uncomfortable conversations fell to me.
I have raised my children honestly. I answer their questions and when I can't I help them do the research needed to find the answers. I openly admit that I don't know anything. I encourage them to make well informed choices for themselves. I have never taken them to any place of worship but I absolutely allowed them to go with their friends whenever they asked. They are turning out to be wonderful people. I trust they will find the lifestyles that work for them.