Just when I think my Disney Princess daughter Wendelyn Daly is a clone of her angelic mother, the Dittmer sarcasm comes zinging through. The combination makes it even more effective.
Likewise, surprisingly frequent angelic streaks of my clone Rebecca Taberski I lay at the feet of her mother Lynne's genetics and influence. God's hand at combining genes and influence in our children is frighteningly amazing.
Lynne did have a dark side. She would play the role of good cop, bad cop in our shared parenting responsibilities.
A quietly whispered threat of guilt, shame, or even physical consequences into the ear of a child can be a powerful motivator. Lynne was not afraid to use it.
She had other faults. She was not perfect. But...
when someone observes moments of responsible behavior in me, it was probably Lynne's influence. Thanks, Lynne.
Since our family is discussing favorites, I thought I'd mention a similar whispering incident of my late mother.
My brother Tim Dittmer had taken up the guitar, but seemed to lose interest. After talking with Tim, she had bought him a much better guitar, but she worried that my playing Tim's guitar might dampen his enthusiasm. I was watching intently (I was obsessed with music!) as she handed him the guitar. As she left the room, she whispered in my ear, "If you touch his guitar, I will break your fingers."
I have taught guitar. One student of mine ended up playing like Charro, a wild crazy blonde Flamingo guitarist. But I neither own nor play a guitar.
By the way, Tim went on to become an excellent, professional level guitarist.
Thanks, Mom.
Likewise, surprisingly frequent angelic streaks of my clone Rebecca Taberski I lay at the feet of her mother Lynne's genetics and influence. God's hand at combining genes and influence in our children is frighteningly amazing.
Lynne did have a dark side. She would play the role of good cop, bad cop in our shared parenting responsibilities.
A quietly whispered threat of guilt, shame, or even physical consequences into the ear of a child can be a powerful motivator. Lynne was not afraid to use it.
She had other faults. She was not perfect. But...
when someone observes moments of responsible behavior in me, it was probably Lynne's influence. Thanks, Lynne.
Since our family is discussing favorites, I thought I'd mention a similar whispering incident of my late mother.
My brother Tim Dittmer had taken up the guitar, but seemed to lose interest. After talking with Tim, she had bought him a much better guitar, but she worried that my playing Tim's guitar might dampen his enthusiasm. I was watching intently (I was obsessed with music!) as she handed him the guitar. As she left the room, she whispered in my ear, "If you touch his guitar, I will break your fingers."
I have taught guitar. One student of mine ended up playing like Charro, a wild crazy blonde Flamingo guitarist. But I neither own nor play a guitar.
By the way, Tim went on to become an excellent, professional level guitarist.
Thanks, Mom.
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