Parental Advice

My mom always tells me that I if I ever have kids, I shouldn't bother taking them to the park, on trips, or to get ice cream, because they won't remember any of it. It's kinda true. I have 0.0 recollection of anything that happened prior to the age of 4. I've heard stories & seen a few pictures, but I remember none of it.

For example, this lovely 4th of July in the park? Could have been someone else (and I kind of wish it was based on the haircut).

Though I remember none of the moments - big or small - I know they shaped who I've become.  All of those books we read (I assume my mom taught me to read) and weekend trips to new cities (I completely blocked out Colonial Williamsburg), left their mark. Even though I can't recall every detail, I know that we talked about things. We experienced stuff.

I was reminded of how much I appreciate my upbringing after reading a few excerpts from Lisa Bloom's "How to Talk to Girls".

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-bloom/how-to-talk-to-little-gir_b_882510.html?ref=fb&src=sp%22

She talks about the importance of what we say to kids and especially how we talk to girls. Having dialogs and experiences versus commentary on how pretty we are shapes who we will turn out to be. I'm grateful my parents provided this type of environment for me to grow up in.

Sure, my parents told me I was pretty (except during the awkward years, because then they would have been lying). But it was never the most important thing (which made the not-so-attractive years bearable).

My dad loves to tell the story of my first trip to the art museum. Apparently we spent hours walking around, talking about the art. When we were in route to the car, my dad asked, "What did you think of the art museum?"

My response?

"What art museum?"

Pretty girl.