“But Nita had always seen having a child as selfish. Why bring another soul into this world, she'd say, when there are so many out there that need our help?”
Source: Crux
“In short, Nance, even was you going to the very devil himself, your mother and I would rather see you fly from us in joy, than stay with us in sorrow - and grow, maybe, to hate us, for keeping you from your fate.”
“...but oh, it would just break your heart to see some of them waiting for their visitors. They get their hair all done up on Saturday, and on Sunday morning they get themselves all dressed and ready, and after all that, nobody comes to see them. I feel so bad, but what can you do? Having children is no guarantee that you'll get visitors . . . No, it isn't.”
“Don’t have kids until you’re ready. And when you do have them, have them all the way. They aren’t like some Cadillac that you can turn back into the dealership after three years.”
Source: The Legacy Letters: his Wife, his Children, his Final Gift
“The inspector had interviewed boys before, boys from the poorest parts of town. He had the habit of not specifying "mam" or "dad" or even "parents." They were things he knew not every child possessed and so he was careful.”
“They fuck you up, your mum and dad? No, that wasn't it at all. Well, they did do that, perhaps, but they also allowed you to become the person, and the writer, that you had it in you to be.”
Source: Joseph Anton: A Memoir
“Bridge miscommunications by talking to parents, hearing their stories, and learning how they’ve shaped yours.”
Source: Young Leaders 3.0: Stories, Insights, and Tips for Next-Generation Achievers
“Embrace high expectations from “demanding” parents if what they are demanding is your positive growth and learning.”
Source: Young Leaders 3.0: Stories, Insights, and Tips for Next-Generation Achievers
“Love your kids and just be there for them. You don’t have to eyeball their every moment or to orchestrate all their comings and goings. They know this. They know that’s too much.”
Source: The Legacy Letters: his Wife, his Children, his Final Gift
“Don’t spoil kids by trying to buy them off, to buy their time. Kids aren’t stupid. They know a bribe when they see one. They want a parent not a payoff.”
Source: The Legacy Letters: his Wife, his Children, his Final Gift