Why Our Generation Needs to Look Back and Learn

"Those that don't learn history are doomed to repeat it."

While I do love to brag on the fact that our generation is not the worst generation on the map, I definitely think our generation has a case of forgetfulness when it comes to generations past.  Maybe it's the idea that they want to parent better than previous generations, as all generations strive to do.  Maybe it's the concept that the world is changing and we need to change with it.  There are a million options but my guess is that most of it is due to too many books, studies, and media outlets  on how you should and shouldn't parent.

Here's where I stand on this:

1.  Studies are a great source of information and knowledge is power but remember that, ultimately, these studies can be very lopsided and short-sighted.  There are a whole host of studies that "find" some terrible truth and then ten years later, the study is discounted.  Instead of just changing your entire outlook on something because of one study, use that study as a jumping off point to learn more, fully educate yourself through multiple sources (including reading those with studies that disagree with the jumping off study) and make an educated decision based on that.  What's best for you or your family might not be best for everyone.

2.  Books, magazine articles and other written information are great sources of information, as well.  In fact, I am a very big advocate for reading as much and about as many different topics as possible.  The more you know, the more you can form truly well-thought-out opinions on important issues in your life.  That's not to say that your opinion may not change with age, new information, or life experience; which brings me to my next point in this.  Do you want to know why our parents did things the way that they did?  I'll give you a hint....it involves accessibility.  There weren't nearly as many books and articles telling us what we should do, what we shouldn't do and how we're "harming our kids."  Ironically, the kids that are being raised now have an entitlement crisis, don't know how to deal with their emotions and are numb to society's most pivotal events because they've been exposed to far too many things too young.  (Yes that is a generalization; not all kids are like this).  There are so many opinions thrown at parents now that we seem to forget how powerful instincts truly are.

3.  The Media...ugh.  I have very mixed feelings on the media.  On the one hand, there's the accessibility of being able to learn new things, have a few minutes of quiet and see how the other half lives.  On the other hand, there's the accessibility that seems to haunt people about how they're living now.  It seems to give a lot of us the idea that our lives are somehow less wonderful because we're not living in a mansion with a pool, walking the red carpet or because we can't afford to buy our newborn $1000 swaddling blankets. The Media has a funny way of convincing us that we have to be like what we're watching; we have to have what we're seeing.  The truth is that the less you expose yourself to that torture, the happier you'll end up being.  Remember, the grass may be greener on the other side, but it still needs to be tended to.

Now, with all of that said, I stand firmly on the fact that our generation needs to look back and learn.  Our parents may not have been perfect but neither are we.  Trying to live your life around every study, book or "parenting method" will make your life miserable.  Use your instincts and just love your kids.  Don't worry if your child is keeping up with other kids...he or she will progress at their pace.  Don't worry if they're too big, small, chubby, thin (unless it's excessive and truly worrisome) or any other quality; your child is exactly the way they're meant to be and they'll change and grow at their pace.  Don't worry if they're not reading before kindergarten, speaking in sentences by age two, or socializing four times a week with their peers.  Believe it or not, they'll turn out fine.  Use your instincts and just love the crap out of them and they'll turn into happy, productive children.