Time [ Perspective] Shifts

Back then, my parents (Dad, specifically) would not allow us to learn to drive while we were in school. Per his confession in later years, he was worried we would wander off and might not finish our schooling if we got to take the wheel. He had a list of relatives (himself included) who did such, and the thought of us doing the same thing didn't sit well with him, so he did what he had to do. He did laugh when we teased him that he had been worried for nothing. But, admittedly, he knew better.

When my niece, Kits, started driving at 16, he said nothing except "congratulations and be careful." When my brother bought his 13-year-old daughter a secondhand mini SUV in January, he did not object. In fact, I sensed a bit of pride in his tone when asked the other day if Kaycee (my 8th-grade niece) likes her car and drives it to school. He replied proudly, "Yes. She is already good at it. She even brought two of her classmates here on Tuesday," and then went on and on with more chismis, lol!

But yes, he has a shift of perspective and perhaps understood that times have changed and the ways of the present days are acceptable too, even when they seem too unconventional for them older folks. Although we learned to hold the wheel not from him, I know he is happy and proud of how he and Mom brought us up, allowing us enough space to be curious, explore, and grow.

For a moment, I wondered how my parenting style would be if I had my own kids. Well, my Lil Guy seems to be at peace in my presence😅