What do you remember about your parents?

Question

I consider myself to be a decent Dad but sometimes I am a real hothead. Will my kids think of me when I am gone and, like Shakespear said, "The evil that men do lives after them. The good is oft interred with their bones. ..."

What will my children remember about me?

Answer 1

Put your mind to rest! You are being very hard on yourself today ... for no reason. My kids had the singular talent for setting me off! And, being very Un-modern, I WENT OFF ! But it didn't last...one huge burst of energy, more than a few cuss words, and it was gone. But my kids did what they were supposed to do. Personally, at that time, I could not have cared less what they thought of me, they were more worried about what I thought of THEM! For me, it paid off well. I am one of my kid's best friends (yes, they have a few, but I am one of them). They share their life's miseries and happinesses..without asking for money. They call about .... well, my kids call no one, but they answer the phone when I call, and they do return calls I make. (I have always been the caller in my family).
I remember my parents as being hot heads, swift, to the point, take no prisoners type parents...and I love them to death..my Mom is now gone, but I call my Dad at least once a week to see how things are going, to tell him I love him...etc. Stop with the worry. You are the only Dad they have, you are not cruel in what you do (kids do know what cruelty is), and you do the best you can. So do they (sometimes).

Answer 2

All of the ways my mom was there for me growing up... all the ways my dad wasn't (he left when I was 4). Random funny things that happened. I barely remember what happened when I got in trouble (unless it was BIG trouble - like being punished for smoking at 15). However, if you're a hothead in front of your children all the time, then that's what they're going to remember because that's how you always are...and most likely they will show the same kind of temper because they learn from you. However, if you just sometimes blow up, it probably won't matter that much. Try not to do it in front of them though, kids are like sponges.

Answer 3

I think you have answered your own question. Part of that quote is "... If it were so, it was a grievous fault, And grievously hath Caesar answer'd it. ..." The time to change history my friend is before it is made. There is another quote I like that may apply. "Look not upon the wine when it is red". There is a lot that goes into making a fine wine; Love, nurturing, respect and just a little luck go a long way to make the wine respectable and enjoyed. So should it be with memories.

Answer 4

Your kids already think of you as a hotheaded dad even now,why wait till you're gone. My dad was in the Army. I used to think he mistook me as his soldier. How many times I wished to run away from home. But thanks to that I started reading very young , trying to find a cure to his character but i only grew up to be like him. Until lately I found out that I should cure my own action, own speech and purify my own mind. Oh that helps..I cool down a lot and gain more friends. Just try meditation with a teacher...don't do it on your own, in Metta, Pantini

Answer 5

When I look at all the broken families today, the main thing I remember is how they stayed together (75 years) and with us children. They were both always there, even when we thought they were interfering, but I see so many young people today who could use a little interference.

My parents taught their children manners and how to get along with each other even with we do not agree, even when we do occasionally butt into each other's business. "Best to learn how to get along with these people," my mother told me "because they will be with you for the rest of your life." And this is so true. Even though my parents have long since departed, my brother and sisters, all well as their spouses and children and their children are all together now as one extended family because of the valuable lessons my parents taught their children.

Answer 6

I remember coming from the world's most dysfunctional family. I did a 180 and left the nest as soon as I could get away. But I never stopped caring about them, just couldn't live around all the drinking, cussing and drugs. My kids see me as being different from the "average" person and that's OK. I still love them but wouldn't want to live with them or have them live with me. I'm not one for blended generations in a home, but certainly for love and caring.

Answer 7

As long as you treat them with respect, but with discipline. They will come to see "Gee Dad knew what he was talking about." It may take a while to come to that realization But yes eventually they due grow up and see the light.
Step out of bounds and screw up and and they will never forget you, but not in a good way. Pick your Wars. Whats that old saying " Lost the battle, but won the war." Do not worry about the small stuff, it will work itself out. Be there for them and listen, let them know that you do care about how they feel .

Answer 8

That they were hard workers. My dad drove a semi and was home on the weekends. Mom was a nurse but still cooked and cleaned for the 6 of us and never complained. We spent every evening together as a family.

Answer 9

My parents were relatively poor, hard working people. They weren't enlightened in any way.

They were into mind games and manipulations, constant power games with their own siblings, parents, and their own kids. Surprisingly adept and sophisticated in their deceits and machinations.

I doubt they ever examined their own motives.

I don't think things have changed much, except people can't beat hell out of their kids as badly as they once did.

Answer 10

They will remember your sacrifices, all the rest are gone and forgotten. Well the occasional smacking up the backside will never be forgotten and neither will the lessons learned from them.