Parenthood

Today, I've been pondering parenthood. Or more specifically, styles of parenthood. I've seen parents who have so many different attitudes towards their kids and other kids…it puzzles me.

Due to confidentiality issues, I can't disclose what truly made me wonder today—but they were two different attitudes and behaviour sets that didn't strike right to me.
I don't know yet if I will be a parent, and if so, what kind of parent I will be. I'd like to think I'd be 'good,' though good is so intensely subjective. I'd like to be accepting, understanding, lenient and firm, politically correct and always using my head.

I'd like to never get angry, never be loud, never dole out unjust punishments.

I'd like to teach my child(ren) to be mature, responsible and kind people. I want to instill love, rarely embarrass, and have them always know I'm in it for them.

I never want my children to question my love for them, my dedication to them, and my endurance for them.

I want to always know my children are taken care of, and never need something I can't provide. I want to give all of my self, but have enough to give more.


I realize this is hardly rational, hardly practical, hardly feasible.

Yet, I still want it. Do all future parents feel this way? Does everyone have an ideal relationship in mind, and strive to reach it? Does my craving for perfection outweigh my ability to guide?

Could I ever succeed? Could you? Will you? Did you?