Week 13: Civil Disobedience at Breakfast
This week’s story is full of nuggets of wisdom from Barbara Kingsolver about parenting toddlers, teens…really kids of any age! It also offers a challenge to us as parents. What if my child is becoming exactly who I want them to become…and that’s infuriating? If I believe my child is not just taking up space but is truly valuable, “if [they’re] to believe it, I have to act as if I do.”
After you listen, some questions for reflection…
- If you believe that your child is not just taking up space, what values must guide your parenting?
- How do you understand the difference between boundaries and bondage? What experiences with your child(ren) have helped you understand this?
- What work or hobbies do you have in your life that bring you meaning and a sense of control? How does this work/hobby, while separate from your parenting, shape who you are as a parent?
As Unitarian Universalists, we want to raise children to think freely, be themselves, and work for justice. All of these are good goals and values and they make day-to-day parenting more complex!
With you on the adventure,
Rev. Beth
