tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8287005166012220959.post4180937293385236483..comments2023-10-17T11:02:33.352-04:00Comments on The child: Simple, human and oh so far from perfectUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8287005166012220959.post-58648027727233201042013-06-18T09:55:52.831-04:002013-06-18T09:55:52.831-04:00Tough question. I don't know the answer either...Tough question. I don't know the answer either. What I do know is that, I grew up in inner city Detroit and saw some pretty interesting things. God and my family helped me be the woman I am today. I'm raising Noah in a different area, near where I grew up though. My husband grew up in the suburbs, so his experience was quite different from mines. We are trying to give Noah a balanced view but with God and our love as the foundation. No, decision making on this parenting journey is not easy. xxOGerrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15355005063119095095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8287005166012220959.post-82915915162477247692013-06-15T23:29:39.862-04:002013-06-15T23:29:39.862-04:00I understand your viewpoint. Just a whiff of any c...I understand your viewpoint. Just a whiff of any criminal activity makes a mama bear go into protective mode. But there are problems in every neighborhood, even Beverly Hills. A lot of families started leaving my old childhood neighborhood when there was an increase in break ins and such. One family moved to a gated community several miles north. Their oldest son was shot by a neighbors boyfriend. He survived but I will never forget them telling my mom that they missed our neighborhood. We looked out for each other and had a sense of community that made it safe. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08700057904506855793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8287005166012220959.post-51920058462927642552013-06-15T15:22:48.466-04:002013-06-15T15:22:48.466-04:00Kim, I think a mix of neighbors is good, as long a...Kim, I think a mix of neighbors is good, as long as the neighborhood is safe. If it isn't safe-and some neighborhoods really and truly aren't, then I'd want to move. There are lots of ways to expose our kids to a variety of people and situations-but that doesn't mean you have to do it in your own front yard. Hugs, sweet friend! I appreciated all of your wonderful comments so much!Valerie Boersmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08372768206512562126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8287005166012220959.post-36012851278320752502013-06-14T13:47:50.611-04:002013-06-14T13:47:50.611-04:00My next door neighbor has a teenage son who has a ...My next door neighbor has a teenage son who has a serious drug problem and some questionable associates coming by when by kids are out playing. I feel like we are walking on a tightrope some days when the tension and possibly danger is increasing on any given day next door. I tell my older kids to always be on the lookout in case this teen is up to no good. A sad reality for them to process, but their reality nonetheless. As a side note, the police are moving at a snail's pace when it comes to handling this situation. We don't want to "rock the boat" because of the potential retaliation we may suffer from an angry neighbor. <br /><br />I hope this teen does find help soon before his life spirals out of control totally and others are hurt too.<br /><br />When we moved here, we didn't know this neighbor situation would develop. I guess what my rambling is leading to is this realization that our kids are faced with harsh realities even when we think we are shielding them. And maybe it is good for them to see these realities at times? I don't know what to say. Kim, sorry for the ramble, but I have been nervous about our situation next door a lot lately.septembermomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01570525910483384484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8287005166012220959.post-25903085940369560602013-06-13T23:49:05.676-04:002013-06-13T23:49:05.676-04:00The good news is that your kids are growing up sur...The good news is that your kids are growing up surrounded by your love and they will remember that far more than some of the other things going around them. I often tell myself if I don't make a big deal about something, it won't be a big deal to the kids. For example, T wears glasses. Initially, it was a big deal to me and really hurt seeing that this little human being I brought into the world had a huge flaw. (I know odd and kind of selfish thought but I'm being honest.) Then I realized if I made a big deal of it, he would too. Now, it's no big deal and when someone confronted him recently about his glasses saying he was weird looking, he replied, "Do you think it's funny I cannot see without my glasses?" The other kid did not know what to say. Then another said, "T's cool and his glasses are cool so if you think they are weird then something is wrong with you." My heart beamed. But if I had always made a big deal about him being different because of his glasses he might not have the confidence he does now. I'm learning. As I say, this parenting gig is more about me learning than the kids learning from me.<br /><br />Be well, Dear Friend. All will work out the way it is meant to. You have such a full and kind heart, I can tell from the way you describe your neighbors and acquaintances. T Rex Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07581711492269619311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8287005166012220959.post-74067774159542933332013-06-13T20:05:58.915-04:002013-06-13T20:05:58.915-04:00I'm not sure there is a "right" answ...I'm not sure there is a "right" answer to that. You'll know in your heart when the right time to go arrives.Secret Agent Womanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07564690116156754219noreply@blogger.com