Dream Interpretations and Reflections on Parenting

This whole parenting thing is tough because it engages your whole body, brain and soul. First, you endure a physically draining pregnancy, birth and delivery. Then, you have to physical transport this kid for months and years on end, then once you can put them down, you have to chase them non-stop, and so on. Brain-wise, not only do you need TONS more knowledge once you have a baby, but your brain often seems to shrink at that time. So much so, that the smallest tasks, like conjuring up the correct child's name to call down to dinner, is beyond your capability. And emotionally? Well, it's a roller coaster with your heart in the front car, screaming for dear life. Is anybody with me, here?

My four children are really wonderful, darling little human beings, and if left alone, they would perhaps be fine. I'm starting to wonder if I'M the one causing all the trouble. If I never made them comb their hair, take a bath, trim their nails, eat their veggies, go play outside, etc., they'd perhaps be happier and maybe go into adulthood with less baggage. But somehow, everytime I ask them to do something like the aforementioned basic hygeine chores, they act as if it's a personal affront to them. Am I being too critical? If I left them completely alone on these things and never corrected their bad manners, etc., but just loved them up, would that be enough? Perhaps they would be more self-confident risk-takers and then pick up those other skills when they decided they needed it (like if they ever wanted a DATE). So in the meantime, do I have a responsibility to raise children who other people will like? Would it be unkind if I divided my children, raised half of them one way and half the other as a study? I'm really interested to know.

I had a dream this week-end, and I might add that it came on the heels of my ED driving me nearly mad. My ED is really into theatre, and I dreamed that we had gone to an audition. I'd helped her rehearse her audition piece, the ever-sung, corny "Tomorrow" from Annie. When they called her name, we went on the stage. I began playing the piano, and she began to sing, but instead of singing the word "tomorrow" at the appropriate time, she sang "yesterday" which sounded completely ridiculous in light of the tenses and the extra syllable. So I was kind of freaking out at the piano, and I was totally convinced that she'd blown the audition. But guess what? They LOVED it, especially due to the original exchange of words in a tired song. So I woke up wondering if God's telling me to lay off and let her do it her way.

Let me hear from all you seasoned parents out there. What's your opinion?