What Scares Me Regarding My Kids

Not being there when they need me. Most people are kind, caring, and trustworthy, but there are monsters out there. These predators look like the normal people, talk like the normal people, walk like the normal people, and may even convince you that they themselves are normal but they are monsters. They are the literal embodiment of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Now take my children, the things that I love above all else in this world. I can protect them from these dangers while I am near, as long as I stay vigilant and watchful. But I cannot be by their side all the time. I have to go to work. I have things to do. Things that allow me to provide for them the life that they deserve. If I were to be near them 24/7, I wouldn’t be able to care for them. How’s that for a dichotomy?

But that only describes today, 2018. What happens when they get older? When they get bikes and ride around the neighborhood? When they turn 16 and start driving on their own? When they become adults and go off to live on their own? I’m not going to act like they can live in my house forever. That’s unfeasible and would seriously hamper their emotional development. By helping them, I’d end up hurting them.  Once again, the dichotomy of parenthood.

All I can do is try to teach them about the dangers of the world and how to confront those dangers. Will I be able to teach them enough? Will they learn what they need to in time to use it? How will I know? How can I know?

They will, God willing, eventually grow up into adults and go off into the world on their own and I won’t be there to watch over them. I’m not a helicopter parent by any means, but if you think that the world is safe then you’re living in denial.

I’m extremely glad that I don’t have to go it alone.  I’d probably lose my mind.

See you next Friday.

-S_S