What three “gifts” would you give a 20-something if you were a “Forty-Godmother”? Here 40-somethings share three wishes to help a 20-something get a head start on the confidence to make decisions that are right for themselves. No more woulda, coulda, shoulda.
I know we are not all moms but for those who are, those who may be and those who have a friend in need…here are three wishes from a special woman, mother to many.
1. Each child brings his or her own challenges to the parenting plan. But there were some standard techniques that worked across the board. Encourage, don’t discourage. Hold on, but don’t squeeze too hard. If you have boys, keep at least a gallon of milk per head in the fridge at all times.
2. It’s natural to to want to overprotect and over-steer. But you just have to be there behind them, arms open, ready to break a fall.
3. They’re only ours for such a short time, the only thing you can do is pack all the compassion and humanity and guidance you can into 20 years or so.