I missed out on a lot as a kid. I moved around a lot, had few friends, and due to numerous factors, was extremely withdrawn and shy. This lead to missing out on many experiences most people share in. I often find myself wishing I had done something when I was young, like earlier today while watching Wrestle Ramble I had moment where they were talking about things I never saw but would have if I'd gotten into wrestling as a kid. Things that would add to my current experience as a fan.
Thinking about this has caused me to arrive at a decision concerning any future parenting I may do and that is to introduce my children to as many experiences as possible. I won't force them into any activity, but I will expose them to many things, camping, martial arts, dancing, linguistics, diving both sky and sea, etc, etc. I'll let them change from one interest to another as they wish, always supporting them, because the goal is not to live vicariously through them, but to provide them opportunities for a multitude of experiences.
This wont just let them experience a variety of things that many people will never get to, but it will give them skills they may be able to use in the future, and may also provide a unique and fun way for me to spend time with them, as long as they avoid some of the finer arts, ha-ha.
