Also the way that all my "X'er" friends are much more conservative than our parents were is encouraging.
What a load of crap.
I was starving for direction. The one time she actually put her foot down and said, "There is no way in hell that you are going to do THAT" I was so relieved that I wanted to cry. Thank you for giving me your strength! Thank you for stopping me and giving me direction! Sheesh, woman! I was just a dumb, confused kid!
With my own kids, I'm there 24 hours a day. When we talk I listen, then guide them to truth. I whup their butts when they cross the line and it's a very narrow line. My parenting techniques are the exact opposite of my mom's. So far the results have been good. They're confident where I was timid and they're not as fearful in general. They both have told me that they are never worried because they know their father and I will be there for them and they feel protected. They're better educated and friendlier than I was at their age. We'll see more after things have unfolded in a few years. The proof is in the pudding.
It is wonderful you have been blessed with three. May they live long, be fruitful and multiply!