When it comes to being a parent, there is a difference between love and pride.
I love both my kids and I am proud of their choices and accomplishments. I teach them to ask questions, to make decisions based on facts, and to be true to themselves. I have tried to teach them to find their own happiness. I want them to find a career path they enjoy regardless of what that may be.
However, education is not an option; it’s mandatory. I told my son if he wants to flip burgers for a living, he can flip burgers with a Bachelor degree. He starts college in the Fall. As of now, he wants to be an engineer, but that may change. He wants his job to help make the world a better place than he found it.
My daughter is only in the first grade. She insists she is never going to have a baby in her belly. When asked why, she explained, “I don’t want a baby peeing in my belly!” Hahaha. It’s as good a reason as any. Children aren’t mandatory. She has a right to the future she chooses.
Marriage is not mandatory. In fact, I would prefer it were something they don’t even consider until they have established a career of their choice. It doesn’t matter if they are attracted to men or women or both. That isn’t something I control.
My job is to raise my children by teaching them the tools they need to be productive and happy adults. I will always offer them guidance. It will be up to them, what they do with it.
I will love them no matter their choices. I will love them even if they end up in a clock tower with a loaded rifle. That may not be the life I envision for them, but it would not make me stop loving them.
As far as pride, I can’t imagine being unable to find pride in whatever they do. Even if they end up in that clock tower…
