Going feral! I've wondered how some of my GenX cohorts have fallen so far helicoptering their kids. Growing up I was allowed to roam the woods, rivers, and old stone quarries around my small town with my friends or on my own; my parents never seemed to never think twice about it. If my feet or my bike could get me there it was fair game. And although my kids grew up in the suburbs I've tried to do the same with them. I told my wife that broken bones/stitches weren't a matter of if, but when, and she was on-board (and yes, the boy broke his arm and the girl broke her leg, but both were barely bumps in the road). Of course, we had expectations (school work, etc.) and offered advice, but finding their way was their mission.
My kids are both in college, and they're both awesome: great grades, healthy relationships, curious, and social. I'm super proud of them and since I didn't re-invent parenting or perfect it, far from it, sometimes I wonder if they've done well in spite of me, not because of me.
As a new dad, the piece on "feral parenting" really resonated. I was helicopter-parented in various ways, mostly passively, but also aggressively due to one parent's fear-based mentality. No fault of their own — they had their own childhood trauma yet to work through — but it did condition me to experience the world a different way.
I often imagine who my 4-month-old son will grow into, the experiences he'll have, and what will really shape him.
My wife and I REALLY want to empower him to step into his own identity, to be curious about the world, to practice kindness. We can't do that if we're directing his every step.
I'm glad you're thinking about these ideas and trying to put them into practice. I don't assume it's easy, and there isn't any one right answer. But I do think pullling back from the helicoptering trend will have long-term benefits.
For the suffocate with purpose, I recommend using a small bean bag as they stay roughy where you drop them. When I cant go any farther I drop it on the ground. Then I go back to the start and grab another and try and beat it.
I am loving these kinds of brief lists of many different, actionable items. I have been working on breathing better this year and that one really scares me, I'll definitely be incorporating it. Wow.
And I'm very happy with my subscription to 2%, the value I've received is already well over the cost. Thanks!
Going feral! I've wondered how some of my GenX cohorts have fallen so far helicoptering their kids. Growing up I was allowed to roam the woods, rivers, and old stone quarries around my small town with my friends or on my own; my parents never seemed to never think twice about it. If my feet or my bike could get me there it was fair game. And although my kids grew up in the suburbs I've tried to do the same with them. I told my wife that broken bones/stitches weren't a matter of if, but when, and she was on-board (and yes, the boy broke his arm and the girl broke her leg, but both were barely bumps in the road). Of course, we had expectations (school work, etc.) and offered advice, but finding their way was their mission.
My kids are both in college, and they're both awesome: great grades, healthy relationships, curious, and social. I'm super proud of them and since I didn't re-invent parenting or perfect it, far from it, sometimes I wonder if they've done well in spite of me, not because of me.
Great comment!
Loved the "Find your tribe of weirdos"! Reminds me of the rucking club I belong to. Crouser is a beast!
Haha amen on the rucking club!
Another ace post. Listened to it on my run which made me feel even more pious 🤩
Bonus points for listening to the posts while exercising.
As a new dad, the piece on "feral parenting" really resonated. I was helicopter-parented in various ways, mostly passively, but also aggressively due to one parent's fear-based mentality. No fault of their own — they had their own childhood trauma yet to work through — but it did condition me to experience the world a different way.
I often imagine who my 4-month-old son will grow into, the experiences he'll have, and what will really shape him.
My wife and I REALLY want to empower him to step into his own identity, to be curious about the world, to practice kindness. We can't do that if we're directing his every step.
Feral parenting. Man. I like that idea.
I'm glad you're thinking about these ideas and trying to put them into practice. I don't assume it's easy, and there isn't any one right answer. But I do think pullling back from the helicoptering trend will have long-term benefits.
No doubt it will.
Will be trying pistol grip kettlebell swings tomorrow morning!
Enjoy!
For the suffocate with purpose, I recommend using a small bean bag as they stay roughy where you drop them. When I cant go any farther I drop it on the ground. Then I go back to the start and grab another and try and beat it.
Great read! Super informative and interesting covering multiple topics. The Feral parenting was great stuff
I am loving these kinds of brief lists of many different, actionable items. I have been working on breathing better this year and that one really scares me, I'll definitely be incorporating it. Wow.
And I'm very happy with my subscription to 2%, the value I've received is already well over the cost. Thanks!
I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the lists and subscription in general! Thanks for reading.