I think as a parent of 13+ years, I've just known my kids for so much longer that I understand them better. So no more or less confidence in myself, just more information. Also, I can see the end of childhood on the horizon, especially as someone who went to college at 17, and I want to make sure I am in this moment. No looking ahead, just love right now. Our house is full (FULL!) of sibling bickering and occasional meltdowns, but my big kids are generally good company, funny, and helpful. Soak it up, it doesn't last.
Oh Tiffany, thank you for your comment. It’s manna for my soul. You walk into this parenting thing thinking it’ll be the highest of highs and lowest of lows without realizing just how much of it has a patina of bittersweetness. Your comment is a good reminder to just stay in the moment and treasure it. ❤️😭❤️
I love your thoughtful questions! It's hard to articulate, but as my kids get older (10 and almost 13), I feel this balance of confidence and uncertainty. I’m confident because even though I don’t have parenting “figured out” (far from it!), I know the values I want to instill and the direction I want to go to help them grow into good humans! At the same time, I still feel unsure because literally, it's always something😂. Once we get through one phase or struggle, there's always another one waiting...
Isn’t there a saying that just when you’ve figured it out, they’ve changed and moved to another phase? I think the secret to parenting is knowing there’s no secret 😂. It’s a puzzle that keeps changing!
You unlocked an elementary school memory for me! Thank you for providing some context for this book. I think we can do better. I'd love to hear if you source any recommendations for folktales from African authors.
Now that my daughter is well into 1st grade, I'm starting to notice how grown up she seems all of a sudden. No longer a pre-schooler. She's following trends and has her own growing hobbies. It's bittersweet. More so than the transition from other developmental stages have been.
So I haven’t read this one (yet) but I’m dying to get my hands on it. There’s a children’s book of African folktales written by Nelson Mandela himself. I’ve got an order in and will let you know what I think once I’ve had a chance to read it.
There’s also Ananse’s Feast by Tololwa Mollel. And for more of a compendium there’s Tales by Moonlight by the Anike Foundation.
Several more as well. As I’m writing all this, I think I may need to do a full, separate post!
"...a mix of herbs, a little bit of Vicks, and just a teensy hint of staleness." Such a vivid description of a granny. Love this post.
It’s not just me right? I feel like so many old grannies have that blend of comforting scents!
I think as a parent of 13+ years, I've just known my kids for so much longer that I understand them better. So no more or less confidence in myself, just more information. Also, I can see the end of childhood on the horizon, especially as someone who went to college at 17, and I want to make sure I am in this moment. No looking ahead, just love right now. Our house is full (FULL!) of sibling bickering and occasional meltdowns, but my big kids are generally good company, funny, and helpful. Soak it up, it doesn't last.
Oh Tiffany, thank you for your comment. It’s manna for my soul. You walk into this parenting thing thinking it’ll be the highest of highs and lowest of lows without realizing just how much of it has a patina of bittersweetness. Your comment is a good reminder to just stay in the moment and treasure it. ❤️😭❤️
I love your thoughtful questions! It's hard to articulate, but as my kids get older (10 and almost 13), I feel this balance of confidence and uncertainty. I’m confident because even though I don’t have parenting “figured out” (far from it!), I know the values I want to instill and the direction I want to go to help them grow into good humans! At the same time, I still feel unsure because literally, it's always something😂. Once we get through one phase or struggle, there's always another one waiting...
Isn’t there a saying that just when you’ve figured it out, they’ve changed and moved to another phase? I think the secret to parenting is knowing there’s no secret 😂. It’s a puzzle that keeps changing!
You unlocked an elementary school memory for me! Thank you for providing some context for this book. I think we can do better. I'd love to hear if you source any recommendations for folktales from African authors.
Now that my daughter is well into 1st grade, I'm starting to notice how grown up she seems all of a sudden. No longer a pre-schooler. She's following trends and has her own growing hobbies. It's bittersweet. More so than the transition from other developmental stages have been.
I really try to focus on the excitement of a new phase and seeing her personality evolve but, like you said, it’s really bittersweet.
So I haven’t read this one (yet) but I’m dying to get my hands on it. There’s a children’s book of African folktales written by Nelson Mandela himself. I’ve got an order in and will let you know what I think once I’ve had a chance to read it.
There’s also Ananse’s Feast by Tololwa Mollel. And for more of a compendium there’s Tales by Moonlight by the Anike Foundation.
Several more as well. As I’m writing all this, I think I may need to do a full, separate post!
I'm so taken by the art!!
Truly exquisite!