A Fine Line

It is a fine line between parenting and psychoses.


Do you sterilize everything you own,
or do you get them used to dirt?
Do you carry them everywhere,
or let them explore?
Do you let them try new things,
or shelter them because of your own fears?
Do you stick them in public school,
or is private the way to go?
Do you spank them just once,
or put them in time out in their room, with their iPhone, Xbox, tv, etc.?
Do you hide them from real life,
or explain as you go?


Two expressions have helped me navigate:


1. Do not deny your child a balloon, because you know it can pop.
2. Be like the bird that, halting on its flight, awhile on boughs too slight,
     feels them give way beneath her, and yet sings, knowing that she has wings.


Good luck!
Teach them well.
Love them.
Watch the magic happen.