**** Rainy Sunday QOTD ****

So I know that all of us come from different households that have affected us in one way or another. Whether your parents were together throughout your childhood or apart, what aspects of their parenting would you like to carry on with your children and what aspects would you avoid?

CARRY ON:
My parents have been married for almost 40 years, and I have so many happy memories from as far back as I remember. They instilled morals and values into us from a young age and I definitely want to do the same with my children. I really want them to have a strong foundation and sense of 'family'.

AVOID:
My parents are VERY old school, as they were both born/raised in Italy. As a child/teenager they were extremely protective/strict and this really limited the experiences that I had growing up. I was never allowed to go to my friends slumber parties (they picked me up before everyone went to sleep), I wasn't allowed to go out after school and when I did, I had to be home before dinner, I did not go away to college bc they were against it, etc. I know that having boundaries and rules are important, but I wouldn't be as overprotective with my children as they were with me.

Re: **** Rainy Sunday QOTD ****

CARRY-ON- the fact that family is the most important thing in the world. We are all so close and I cant wait to have that with my own children. I was raised in a very loving family, and my DH was not, my family was huggy and kissy and open and honest about our feelings and dh's parents were very cold and stand offish, I cant wait for dh to be part of the family like I grew up in.

AVOID- fighting over finances. I will never discuss this on front of my kids, I dont think they need to hear about it and more important than everything else, avoid divorce. My parents divorced after almost 20 yrs of marriage b/c my dad cheated. DH and I believe that our vows are sacred and no matter how bad things might get we must stick together for the sake of our children

Re: **** Rainy Sunday QOTD ****

Carry on- All our traditions. My mom is so creative and made every thing, still does, magical and fun. This may be because I was an only child for so long, and she didn't work, but every holiday, every birthday was amazing. We took so many day trips and did so much. My father works for the US government, and always took his vacation to be with us. Work came after his family. I truly loved my childhood!

Avoid- My mom had a rough childhood. She was one of 7 and my grandfather was not a good husband or father. They were constantly moving and she had no security. She also lost her mother at 16. Because of this, and because I didn't know my maternal grandmother, I felt she sheltered me from a lot of her past. When other people talked about stories about their parents there was a lot I didn't know. I have a huge family of cousins and we are all close, but I am just starting to learn our history. I was always close to my paternal grandparents, but because my dad isn't close to his brother, I don't have a real relationship with my cousins on that side. I want our child to know all about our history, especially since we live in NY where DH is from, I want them to also visit MD often, where I am from, and know their family there. My mother also instilled too much worry and fear in me, which I hope not to pass on to my own children.

Re: **** Rainy Sunday QOTD ****

CARRY ON:
Parents have been married for over 30 years. My parents were SO LOVING and really did show it to us however they can and I plan on spoiling my children with Hugs and Kisses...strangley many parents do not do this.(DH's parents didnt) I also appreciate how my parents did not spoil me and do everything for me- doing things on my own really showed me how to be responsible. Im glad for that and will carry it on.

AVOID:
Fighting in front of the kids..I have bad memories of my mom and dad going at it- even though they are happily married =)