Parenthood - There is no manual

A child. A parent. A Grandparent. Here I am, now in my 60's and I have had the greatest pleasure to  have been all three.
And as such I have lived through many changes
Growing up in the 1950's and 1960's life was so much different to what it is now.
We sat at the table to eat our meals, which were all home cooked. Take away was fish n chips but was a rarity. A casual night was allowed occasionally to sit and eat while watching the tele. We never questioned the gifts that we received for birthdays or Christmas as we knew that our parents did the best they could with the little that they had. I called my teachers by their full name, definitely no first name basis back then. And any family friends were addressed as Mr or Mrs or if they were a very close family friend then they became Aunt .. or Uncle..
This, we were told was a way to show respect to your elders.
We also did not question our elders. Yes, how hard was our life ! We did what we were told: when we were told. We did not dare say  " I'll do it later "

August 25 1973

So, now, as a parent, where is the instruction manual.
How do you know the correct way to take on any of these roles?
I did not take part in a course and then be presented with a certificate that states that I passed with flying colours.
There is no course. There is no manual.
We all do the best we can.

Our son. November 1981

A child is taught how to behave by their parents. From the moment it enters the world it's loving parents will need to teach it right from wrong, and if they don't , then life will be difficult for both child and adult.  These precious little babies will learn how to make their parents' hearts melt. And who's heart does not melt when you are looking at that innocent little face. But that sweet little being will quickly learn that a cry will bring Mum or Dad running , so parents need to work out  when something is wrong,  or if this sweet little being , perhaps  , just may be trying to have Mum and Dad on a little bit of string. It is parents that teach their children manners and respect. And it is parents who encourage  their children to  try new foods and exciting new activities. What a job a parent has! Children will disobey them and call them names  as well as blame them for every little thing that goes wrong.. But parents do the best job they can, many under very difficult circumstances. You do not need loads of money to be a good parent. If you can give your children food and water, clean clothes and a warm bed and protection from the elements, with kind words, hugs and love thrown in, then you have succeeded.
Some parents are lucky enough to still have their own Mum and Dad around to guide them through parenthood. But often, if the elder person makes a suggestion, they are told to " butt out ! as what would you know ! "
Why, when children reach adulthood , do they blame you for giving them such a perceived bad upbringing. Ask any parent " Did you do the best you could ? " And the answer will be a resounding Yes !. Sewing clothes and home baking were always money saving activities   that many mothers undertook. I spent many hours sewing casual clothes and school uniforms and have now been told that those home sewn clothes somehow caused long term problems . In hindsight I should have shopped at the "Op " shop. It would have been cheaper.
We as parents, supported after school hobbies and activities. Many weekends it meant beginning a journey in the dark, after earning enough money to go, by putting in hours at work the previous day. Sadly, now I wonder why we bothered. Should I really think this way. As I always believed that we did the best we could.

The birth of grandchild no. 4

So gorgeous. Such a happy smile

Now we are grandparents and again, there is no " how to " manual. We have been with four of our five grandchildren from the day they entered the world. We have given our grand children love  and attention. We have read books and created some outstanding art work. ( Well my opinion, anyway )  Together we have watched the new growth of vegies in the garden and enjoyed tasting the end result. We have baked together and kicked back on the couch watching the same movie over and over again. Danced like a crazy lady and sung nursery rhymes out loud  and very, very badly. All those fun things that you do with grandkids that make you feel so much younger.
But no, there is no manual.
The things we do, we do out of love. The love for our children. The love for our grandchildren


                               💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔