One of the greatest challenges of parenthood is the way it routinely confronts us with our own baggage. How we handle our own baggage and how we let it influence our parenting is an ongoing challenge. That truth comes through beautifully in your article.

Another challenge of parenting is understanding that "not everythings has to be a lesson." And, that some things have different meanings for your kids than for you.

I have 10 y/o twins. My boy is a 1 on the chicken wing scale. My daughter is a 5. They were raised the same and offered the same and given the same opportunities. But my son was a chew-and-spit kid for a very long time. He gagged on food alot and had trouble learning to eat meats. My daughter devours meat like a ravenous beast. They both thank me for the meal, can cook and clean up, and know the privilage they enjoy. They are just different. Some things have nothing to do with our own past baggage and are really about who the child is not who you are.

Great article!