I asked on MDC what makes good parents and someone turned around and asked me if I would like to have me as a parent. Yes. I really would. I would so love a mom like me. I am empathetic, strong, dependable, mostly consistent with my behavior even though my moods are unpredictable, I am fun! I like to play. I like doing all kinds of neat things and I think, “Why not?” is a great answer to questions like, “Can I cover my entire body in finger paint?” I am fiercely protective. I fight through my touch issues to be incredibly snuggly with my girls. I think that everyone needs to scream sometimes–just not in the house. I think that everyone has bad days and they do not in any way reflect your value as a person. I am loyal. I am honest. I am kind. I am considerate. Loving! So! So! Loving. I pay so much attention to my kids. As people. I like to stare at them.
So it seems that I am a great supporting character. (Like I was a good secondary.) I’m not that great at being the main character. Maybe I should just like me more. Maybe then I would do better at being the important one in my life.
Also, really thrilled about the push to recognize Shanna’s behavior as Not About Me. We’ve had a really great day and a lot of it is when she starts pushing on something I am stopping to think how it relates to her and her needs instead of mine. *That’s* good parenting. 😛 Thanks for telling me to do it, blacksheep.
You aren’t a main character in your own story either??
(perhaps that was meant as a smart remark, but… )Ouch.
There’s not Jenny’s story *and* Kid’s story?
Our household is like one of those perspective-jumping novels. I get to keep being my own main character, darn it! And so do my husband and kids.
Right now at this stage of my life, no I’m not actually the main character. It’s more like an ensemble cast. I am important, but by no means am I priority #1 for anyone, including me. It’s really pretty shitty. Your approach sounds smarter.
Actually, even when I’ve been my main priority, I haven’t really seen myself as the main character type.
Maybe part of ensemble in a slice-of-life genre work, but by no primary.
The reality is that I am in fact the main person in my own life story, but it doesn’t feel that way. And descriptions of that feeling don’t resonate with me.
The closest I feel to main character is in my home life where the household revolves around me. Heck, even in bed I’ve got husband on one side, daughter on the other, and the cats at my head and feet.
*beam* you’re welcome.
God help me, my mother is the queen of “All About Me” and I think you know how little of a relationship I have with her as a result. Fuck, I sure wish I could have a mom like you.
oh, i didn’t even see that thread. i will now! i love what you wrote here about how you are as a mother. i like “as people” the best.
you know what i think would be good for you? mister rogers. watch some mister rogers’ neighborhood and assume he’s speaking directly to you at all times.