Parents with adult kids: what would you do differently if you were raising them today?

[shaylahc]

I would have bought them less stuff. I was hyperfocused on that stuff when they were small (best clothes, best and latest toys, etc). They ended up being kind of spoiled and not really appreciative of their things. It was also a huge waste of money that I wish I had set aside for other things.

I agree with the person upthread who said better eating habits. I also wish I had pushed sports. My kids are lazy, I wish they wanted to be more active.

I also wish I had worked at least part time. Ive been a SAHM for almost 18 years and while it's been great for the kids, it's been really hard for me

[rrah]

Perhaps because they are both in their early 20's, and I'm very proud of them thus far, I can't think of much I would change that hasn't been said.

Keep better baby books--yes, wish I had done this. As far as their educations, I think we did fine with this. Both have been and are successful academically.

If there was one thing I wish we had done more of, it would be to just do more little things together like picnics in the yard, walks in the woods, or just silly play outside.

[aneye4detail]

The way I'm feeling right now, and the way I've felt in the past overall, I might go so far as to say I wouldn't have had children. I am not cut out for motherhood, I wish I could have known just how bad I was going to be at it.

Second to that, one word: BOUNDARIES. OK, more words: LIMITS, CONSISTENCY, DISCIPLINE, CONSEQUENCES, NON-LAZINESS, NO FEAR.