Sometimes I dislike being a parent.  I like being friends with people (well, sort of…I don’t really like people all that much honestly, but friends are usually good I have heard).  It’s easy to get along with most people.  I guess a big part of that is because I don’t have a gigantic vested interest in the details of their lives.  Surely I care about my friends, but they are all adults and make their own decisions.

I want to teach/allow my kids to make their own decisions, but sometimes that just doesn’t work.  It seems like Isaac and I have been fighting lately about homework (mostly).  He doesn’t really care if things are done or turned in, so long as he “gets it”.  Well, I “get that”, but there comes a time when one has to just do what is required.  Honestly, I think homework and the idea of proving one knows the material is a good thing.  So, we just clash.  You know, I think I hate to clash with the kids more than just about anything else in the world.  Some folks might think I am an antagonist (and maybe I am), but I always try to be patient, even in the face of smart-aleck  responses.  I am torn between teaching my kids to respect authority and allowing them the freedom to express their emotions however they see fit.  It’s difficult and I often wonder if I am doing anything right in this mess called parenting.  Sometimes, it just sucks.

Of course, it is worth it, doing the best I can for the kids…I just wish they came with instruction manuals!