As last I looked, Gayle and I raised three sons, or I should say Gayle guided the process of caring for the boys and I followed. All three are different, and have different life stories to tell of their upbringing. So why was it a shock to our senses when we were asked to attend a parenting seminar at their church with them. I repeat, didn’t we raise three young men?
Before Camden was born, Gayle and I had discussed the issues of helping to raise the grandchildren. We weren’t just thinking of Cam, but of him and all of his future cousins. Gayle sat down with Tiff and assured her that we would follow their philosophy and methods of raising Cam. Of course she told me this afterwards.
Gayle had anticipated my response of they can’t really control what I do when I am with Cam outside of their presence. A Grand parent’s prerogative is to spoil their grandchildren. But she explained it was more of an issue of letting go, and respect. As Jeff and Tiff chose to marry and start a life on their own, they also decided how they were going to raise their children just as Gayle and I did many years ago.
Now of course this does not mean we always agree with the methodology or web related research. But as I consciously raised my kids in opposition to some aspects as to how I was raised, my sons must do the same.
Gayle has recently been babysitting during the week as Jeff started working full time and Tiff prepares for the new school year, she comes home tired, but happy. She also comes home with a greater understanding of why they chose certain ways of raising Cam. And increased respect for their choices.
But I still have the urge to sneak in a toy or trip to get Ice Cream with Grandpa and Grandma Wada.
