The wonderful advances of our Judeo-Christian Western Civilization -- all of its scientific and technological blessings that have made lives better and richer and more free, all the fantastic inventions and advancements in medicine and agriclture and aviation and computers -- in virtually every aspect of mankind's advance -- would not have happened if the individuals involved had said, "Nope, sorry, no can do -- I have to put my kids first." Kids were raised by nannies and/or put up in English boarding schools for centuries, and during those centuries, England produced many great things, including, ultimately, the USA. With apologies to Dr. Laura, who I mostly love and agree with, the idea of having every family be child-focused in its "business" decisions is a trendy fad that in the long run, hugely threatens the advance of man. Men follow their dreams, and the kids tag along; that's how it needs to work. Except when it comes to the divorce of their parents, kids are tough; I think a big reason my own Baby Boomer generation is so screwed up is because parents forgot that.
Refusing to make "the interests of the children" as defined by pop culture the overriding consideration in career choices and fulfilling worthy dreams is NOT the same as child neglect. Indeed, it could be argued that it IS a form of child abuse, in that when those kids grow up and discover that they aren't the center of the world after all, they move back home with mom and dad because they can't handle that now that they've grown up, they're supposed to be the drones.
Men and women who've accomplished great things to the benefit of humanity didn't do so by putting everything on the back burner until their kids grew up. They brought their kids along for the ride.
Should read: "Indeed, it could be argued that always making "the children" come before all else IS a form of child abuse, in that when those kids grow up and discover that they aren't the center of the world after all, they move back home with mom and dad because they can't handle that now that they've grown up, they're supposed to be the drones.
You are correct on all counts - the dominating children are extremely frustrating - I am breaking this down however - the first three year (perhaps seven) need the intimate dance between mother and child - if the mother cares to join. I am only talking about those years! They cannot be replaced - for good or for ill.
I understand the fad you are talking about and I am not a part. In fact, one of my 4 daughters is at boarding school for the precise reasons you brought up (actually she is there for musical theater which was not offered around here) Independence every step of the way!! The formative years starting in infancy are key though — Read “Anxious Parents”
Just remember the development window between mother and child - ages infant to three being most intense.
Is Palin willing to sacrifice her children for the Greater Good?? It cannot happen both ways.
That is why I would like to see a man come forth - perhaps an amazing man of color who is the True Leader.
Correction - I meant sacrifice her youngest children - the older ones are what they are