Family Bonding

 So I'm always critical of my parental skills or lack thereof when I think on chores in the past with the kids. Yet I know fully well that habits and behaviors are taught and learned. So needless to say with my dysfunctional parents I learned nothing of substance, aside from what I won't do. Only to fuck them all up in my own special way. That's what I reflect on, and god damn do I wish I could do it all over again but only knowing what I know now. Fuck trying to figure it all out that shit is painful as fuck, but is it supposed to be?

I think about anime characters and manga stories quite a bit, as I'm very grateful for the eastern philosophy that I get from them, stories of personal growth through hard work vs magical wishes being randomly bestowed upon unsuspecting teens (my rant against American comics). I think that's one of the big issues with a lot of the pop culture in America, it's too "my ship has come in" self serving. Eastern philosophy has taught me that it's the self that gives to others that makes one stronger. Diligence, persistence, patience, forgiveness, humility, believing in oneself, discipline, all aimed at improving oneself to help those around you.

So I had a thought a while back and I think I emailed some sort of mopey something the other to the kids about hindsight in building a better relationship with my kids.

Essentially too often I get the impression that chores and tasks are too often not shared and bestowed upon a single person. Though if we changed this habit/behavior to where all reasonable tasks/chores are shared. Especially with children, as this creates a specific moment that facilitates sharing of tasks/chores that well are not fun. You share in something that bonds one another with things that have to be done, good habits. Cleaning especially, split duties, have the kids tackle the low stuff and adults for the more altitude challenged ones.

Especially with dishes, one washes - the other dries. Take turns where appropriate. These habits could include oral hygiene and exactly how you go about flossing, cleaning your teeth and WHOLE mouth. Good grooming/hygiene habits... always good.

but this all depends on how disciplined you are from the get go..and I wasn't.. neither are my kids.

It's really easy to see what's lacking... don't forget to spend just as much if not more time on finding the good.... learning is always good.