"They stopped asking me to take them to the park (how tedious) years ago. But now when I try to entertain them and say: 'Why don't we get out the Monopoly board?' they simply look at me woefully and sigh: 'Don't bother, Mum, you'll just get bored.'"
Oops. The mother will not be included in the teen and adult years as they grow up. They already know nothing they do will be of interest to her.
The only thing wrong today with parents is that they do not give their children enough real responsibility. Being child-centered does not mean acquiesing to the child. It means evaluating and nurturing and then demanding the child grow up.
This dear's parents did not demand she grow up.
My grown children are an amazimg lot, especially around the dinner table when all are home. Brilliant conversationalists on many topics and accomplished in their fields.
So sorry this girl is so shallow.
You know, sometimes it's hard to see our children as people and not just little extensions of ourselves. My children are much younger than yours (8 and almost 10).
I recently had one of thse sublime moments you never forget. My children were talking (for once, not fighting), and they hadn't seen me yet, so I just stood and listened. Their conversation was so adult sounding - so intellegent. Here was my artistic daughter, making statements that appealed to emotion; here was my very logical son, appealing to common sense.
All I could say to myself was "wow". It was my way of saying, "Thank you God. Thank you for letting me take a step back and see the people they are growing up to be. I like them. No, I LOVE them. Thank you for letting me have them in my house for 20 or so years. Wow."
Of course, then my son pulled my daughter's hair, and the moment was gone. But it was glorious while it lasted, and I'll never forget it.
That is your diploma.. Congratulations