Is This Bad Parenting?

[UNG]

I think parents will always try to do their best for their kids while at times it may not be immediately apparent that it is appreciated you always like to think and hope that it is

 

[nicebutdim]

I think parents will always try to do their best for their kids while at times it may not be immediately apparent that it is appreciated you always like to think and hope that it is

This about sums it up.

I don't think there are any right answers on the subject of parenting, but many is us have a knack for finding wrong answers.

 

[Intoelectrics]

Not my parent, but a life lesson that serves me well.
As an apprentice my first boss was my father's best mate, he was a little guy who wore glasses he smoked a pipe constantly and was often referred to as "popeye"
As a young man I resented him, I was bitter towards him and believed he was nasty and unfair. He would often (what at the time felt cruel to me) work me hard, give me all the s**t jobs no one else would do. He showed me no slack and would come down on me for poor time keeping (even a minute late), extended breaks, chatting at work... I was constantly bitter with him, he would often comment "do you hate my guts?" I'd always reply "yes" and he would walk off smiling. A few years later when I'd matured and gained some experience, I noticed that his attitude started to change towards me. A few years later on completion of my apprenticeship he came and had a chat with me.
He sat me down and said, "you know one day this business will be yours if you want it" I was shocked and taken aback. Unfortunately he died before this ever came to be and his wife sold the business on to his rival.

Looking back as I'm nearing a similar age to when he passed, I often consider his approach. It was cruel to be kind, he was preparing me for life, he was actually nurturing me to be his successor in a way that would be frowned upon these days. I have the upmost respect for him and actually missed him really bad when he passed away.

Sometimes tough love is the best kind of love.