Lila's Padlet by https://padlet.com/lilagardner/fw1s7zcpvamum3rs en-us 2021-03-24 00:26:30 UTC 2021-04-12 18:02:22 UTC hello@padlet.com Respecting Space lilagardner https://padlet.com/lilagardner/fw1s7zcpvamum3rs/wish/1362154611 As an introverted mother, I knew I needed a lot of space when my kids were young but it was very challenging getting others to respect that, even my husband. I realize now how that lead to me not connecting to my kids as much as I would have liked. ]]> 2021-03-28 22:55:51 UTC https://padlet.com/lilagardner/fw1s7zcpvamum3rs/wish/1362154611 Worlds apart lilagardner https://padlet.com/lilagardner/fw1s7zcpvamum3rs/wish/1362281566 Grandparents (especially Boomers) and teenage grandkids have so much in common but act worlds apart.  Both generations are self-involved, have relatively little responsibility, have a lot of disposable income, spend a lot of social time with friends, experience difficulties related to their changing bodies (hormones/health), have strong values (boomers - stick it to the man, environment; teens - technology is good, environment) and yet they often have difficulty connecting to each other and each thinks their generation is better.
This adds stress to us, the sandwich generation, which ends up stuck in the middle and "parenting" both.  We saw how hard the older generation worked and how much they contributed to society and we appreciate that they raised us.  We see how hard the younger generation works to be taken seriously and how earnest they are and how much they want to contribute.
If only they would choose to see how much they have in common and relate to each other we might not hear disrespectful terms like "OK Boomer".
I have lots of examples of the lack of connection.]]> 2021-03-29 00:28:05 UTC https://padlet.com/lilagardner/fw1s7zcpvamum3rs/wish/1362281566 Unexpected Gift lilagardner https://padlet.com/lilagardner/fw1s7zcpvamum3rs/wish/1362684109 My mom passed away two years ago. Like many women of her generation, the family was her domain. She was omni-present, every family plan went through her, she was master communicator and chief cook and bottle washer. My dad is a quiet man. Now that my mom is no longer the centre of the family, I am enjoying having a relationship with my dad for the first time ever. I am discovering he is a funny guy, he writes emails with humour. He walks fast and I try to keep up with him on our weekly walks. He likes to take note of the progress on building construction sites on our walking route. He writes nice sentiments in birthday cards. I will always miss my mom but I am enjoying the unexpected gift of forging a new relationship with my other parent.]]> 2021-03-29 03:37:15 UTC https://padlet.com/lilagardner/fw1s7zcpvamum3rs/wish/1362684109 Covid Learnings lilagardner https://padlet.com/lilagardner/fw1s7zcpvamum3rs/wish/1362719659 My teenage son went through pretty intense unusual social and physiological learning courtesy of the pandemic.  At first in lockdown, didn't know what to do with himself, played video games all day.  We joked that it was a teenagers heaven for him and his sister to be allowed to be in their rooms all day, with nothing they had to do.  That wore thin.  Started eating badly.  As he was home all day and sleeping at odd hours it was tough to manage.  For sake of mental health, husband and I decided to somewhat let it go being unusual conditions.  Eventually he went back to school part time.  Was irritable, I'm sure with friends as well as with us.  Finally, husband and I decided he should go on runs with husband.  Bingo, he started to feel better and completely got the connection to exercise and fresh air.  Started a running club with friends and eating better.  Now understands the value of exercise and being social. Hopefully the lesson sticks with him.]]> 2021-03-29 03:58:53 UTC https://padlet.com/lilagardner/fw1s7zcpvamum3rs/wish/1362719659 Danielle lilagardner https://padlet.com/lilagardner/fw1s7zcpvamum3rs/wish/1403450737 ‘How do we reconcile the conflict of something so huge, and the politics going on with the mundane everyday living tasks?’ was a question on Danielle’s mind while living through the pandemic.  A proud mama, her young childrens’ drawings behind her on the wall as we talked, Danielle works from home as a digital and content marketing specialist.  She loves her urban life in Chicago, especially having amenities and entertainment close at hand, although found the absence of a sprawling yard for her children to play in difficult in pandemic times.  
 
A curiousity universally on the minds of mothers of young children, she wants to know about and prepare for what’s coming ahead.  I was able to satisfy her thirst for knowledge of the future a little, having older, teenage kids, but the funny thing about parenting is there are no right answers and no right way or even best way to undertake the task of parenting.  I suppose this ensures our questions and the nuggets of wisdom we write about parenthood will be well received.  There is an endless supply of learners wanting to know what’s coming.
 
Danielle is a candid, deep thinker who has made life choices that work for her and her family.  Her deep thinking is evident in our conversation and her article “I’ll Never Make a Million Dollars Freelancing and I’m Okay with that” https://contently.net/2019/10/09/voices/never-make-million-dollars-freelancing-okay-with-that/.  She always wanted to be a writer and chose to write for digital and content marketing to have a flexible job in which she could incorporate parenting duties as well.  She would like to do more freelance writing, which is one of the reasons she is taking this course.  Danielle maintains the Oxford comma is a necessary grammar device because it provides clarity and she likes the colour red because it goes with her style. 
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