TequilaMockingbird

Biden: “No line has been crossed” (turns to aide: “Quick, remove all lines in Rafah now!”)

Inb4 inclusion in this database will be required for anyone using Medicaid or other government assistance. You know … for totally legitimate medicine reasons.

I had an excellent father. He wasn’t perfect, but his imperfections and occasional impatience made him more human and relatable. Don’t pretend to be perfect - let her know that everyone makes mistakes not just by saying it, but by showing them yours. Our world has become better for women to live in, but there still is a silent pressure on women to be flawless. Physically, emotionally, academically, professionally - we are not supposed to show weakness if we are to be taken seriously. Show her it’s ok to be imperfect, this will be even more meaningful coming from a male role model.

And I’ll echo what others have said - listen to her. Even if it’s stupid ramblings about her favorite band or what a classmate did or any number of things you really do not care about. When she feels heard on the little things she will know she has a voice in the big things.

Lastly, be honest with her about the world not being fair. This was something my dad maybe could have done better. I was supported and told I can do anything a man can do, but I wish I would have known a little sooner what societal obstacles I was actually going to face. You don’t have to make it sound ok or even acceptable, but all girls should know what they’re up against so they can be prepared to face it head on.

Your overall point is valid - the top wealth holders are screwing everyone they can, regardless of what generation they’re in. But the older generations have some insulation - they were able to establish themselves economically before the vice really gripped. However, they are also the ones that allowed this to happen & often cheered it on - by voting for leaders who would enact policies designed to benefit the elite class at the expense of everyone else. It’s not a generation war per se, but it is partially their fault & the reason boomers are known as “The Selfish Generation”. Ironic since their parents were members of “The Greatest Generation” who were willing to sacrifice everything including their lives to better the world. One would think their kids would have learned something other than “Gotta get mine” at the expense of future Americans (both economically and ecologically). So it is a LITTLE about the generation gap.

My oldest got a smart watch which could make calls only to preset numbers that we added (mom, dad, grandma, aunt, and one neighbor who had a son the same age) at 9. That’s when he started getting dropped off at friends’ houses without a parent sticking around (mind you - this was just coming off COVID lockdowns, so we may have done it sooner if there was a need to). I wanted him to always be able to reach us in any situation. He’s a really responsible kid, so he got a full smartphone the summer after 5th grade (11) when he went on the class trip to Washington DC. Currently in middle school with a smartphone and no issues yet, plus it gives us something valuable to him to take away if we feel he’s letting grades slip, etc.

My second does not seem to share the same level of responsibility, so he did not get his smart watch until 10. He may not get a smartphone anytime soon. It depends on the kid.

My youngest is 8. Time will tell about how responsible he is, but Lord - this is the child that WILL need to call us. Always getting into something 🤦🏻‍♀️.

Was his first name Xavier? Dr. X Wiener?

I would love to get Hogwarts Legacy for my son - he just finished all of the books! He’s getting a new laptop for Christmas, so we haven’t focused on games, etc. yet but I’m sure he’d be thrilled to play!

This is a really fun idea, thanks for doing this!

Just a tip: You can also automate the bathroom fan with a timer to turn off after 30 min or whatever, since you want it to run for a bit but not all night.