Wait! What? We are actually good at this?

Joe and I did the unthinkable...

We asked Caitlynn if we were good parents. She said yes... we are good parents.

Whew! I was worried. Time to pour the champagne and kick the kids out for the night! We've got this parenting thing down! I knew I was awesome and this just confirms it. Same for Joe. I guess he's awesome, too.

We then decided to interrogate her on what makes us good parents mainly because we wanted to vary up our routine to have good parenting days and bad parenting days. I like doing social experiments involving my kids. However, Caitlynn didn't like that too much and didn't give us many examples of good parenting. Maybe strapping her down to a chair and shining a bright light in her face wasn't a good way to go. We probably should have done the "good mom, bad dad" routine to illicit a better response.

But basically, she says we're good parents because we don't hover. She likes her space and independence and we seem to give her plenty of that, even though the 2 of us are home nearly every day (working from home and going to school do have it's advantages).

I'd venture to guess that most kids don't want their parents to hover over them like bees swarming a garden of daisies. I know I don't like being micromanaged and I can see that same strong independence in Caitlynn and Miles.

With all of the anxiety we had last year about our parenting skills (Caitlynn had some issues that required a visit to the doctor), it's nice to know that we are actually good at this parenting thing, even if the confirmation is only coming from Caitlynn. It's too bad the doctor can't give us a certificate or diploma (something reading "Marcy and Joe have been awarded the Goodest Parent certificate") to hang on the wall to show off to anyone who comes to the door, like the UPS delivery guy or the guys replacing the siding on our townhome.

But maybe more parents should be like Joe and I and ask their children to assess the parenting skills, rather than relying on Today show segments and books about Tiger Mothers. Your kids will be honest. Maybe too honest, but that's the risk you take.

I'm sure you are all awesome parents, too. Just ask your kids.












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