Parenting Is a Balancing Act

My kids like myself were instructed on how to wash clothes as soon as they were tall enough to reach into the basin without falling in. Parenting 101 calls this the see-saw or teeter-totter effect, whereby toddlers balance themselves on their bellys, feet dangling acrobatically off the washer machine lip scooping damp clothes onto the floor in order to place the articles in a dryer. Many arguments have been made on whether this helps or hinders a child. I've watched my kids cry and tell on me to their momma. "Daddy won't let me eat or play or whatever (I told them to do) until I clean my room." I gotta tell you, it's joy unspeakable! Almost to the point of tears falling on the pavement and forming a puddle kinda joy to know I prepared my kids to the best of my ability to overcome struggle and adversity. I don't know if it's fair to say, but parents back in the day echoed a "don't depend on me, when you can do it yourself type attitude." I think in some ways nurture went to the wayside and that switch made it to our backside. In our attempt to add hugs and kisses while turning down the discipline, we created kids who are accustomed to having it their way. It's a balancing act. Parents try and find that balance, oftentimes, falling well short of the washer machine lip, praying God will clean up our act. The joy I have is because her light bill is due but is making it work by candlelight. He's struggling to correct his adolescent mistakes. Hustling like a Martin Luther King speech, everyday puttin in work till his dream is lived in. The youngest is taking night classes in order to graduate on time. Glory be to God. Message has been received. Don't depend on me, when you can do for you. For times they fell into the washer machine and scuffed their foreheads, I'm genuinely sorry for that, but parenting is a balancing act. Love is helping even after you're depleted and right when your about to fall in from grabbing a heavy load, they step in and say "Dad, we got this." Hallelujah with a double amen!