Increase the odds that my kids will still talk to me when they grow up

I had a chance to walk Sophia to school this morning, all by ourselves, and it was simply golden. She loves school and she was radiant in the weak Seattle morning sun. I’ve already forgotten what we talked about, but she reminded me of those years when she was our only child, and how easy it was to enjoy your own child. This was certainly the high point of my week, if not my month, who knows, maybe my year. I love you sweetheart.

I just changed the name of my goal here from “Remain close to my children” to “Increase the odds that my kids will still talk to me when they grow up”. I felt like the “Remain” goal was too static and too hard to show any progress. It isn’t like this new goal is that much easier to measure, but I can at least keep track of anecdotes that relate positive or negative outcomes.

I’m also boosting this goal to number 2 on my list. Number 1 is about making sure my loved ones know I love them. Number 2 is about going the extra mile for my kids to make sure they know I want to always be a part of their lives.

So I hope I’m not doing this wrong. And I hope my kids will still talk to me when they grow up.

We are expecting a new baby at the end of April or early May. It ought to be exciting!

Remember when you were growing up, and you went to your friends house and it seemed like your friend was actually nice to their brothers and sisters and maybe even their parents? Or maybe you met someone in college who loved talking to their parents about what was going on in their life and looked forward to seeing them at the holidays. How does that work?