My parents had much more success asserting their authority that we have had.
Even in my late 40s, I wouldn’t dare swear in the presence of my parents, let alone at them.
But our kids? It’s all fair game. Anything goes. When they’re angry, all they’ve learned in the gutter will come spewing forth like a torrent, unrelenting in its bile.
‘Assert yourself!” you may say. Oh, it’s much too late for that. I haven’t an assertive bone in my body. My role in life is akin to that of a doormat.
I envy the success my parents had — and there were four of us! What did they have that I’m missing? Well, quite a lot, actually.
Last modified: 28 December 2024
