Parents of teens-what (if anything)would you have done different during the elementary school years?

[Anonymous]

When I think about it my kids have done great so far. They've grown up with screens in their rooms with no limits. They're affectionate and caring. They play outside every opportunity with the neighborhood kids of all ages. Some older some younger. Plenty of squabbling and mischief but nothing to serious. 2 of them make honor roll regularly 1 is always close. Bed time is 930pm but they can watch tv in their room or use their phones. Again I'm not a micromanager parent. They're usually a sleep by 10pm. They get up at 6am on school days and sleep in on non school days. Let your kids live a little and enjoy their childhood. As my sons finish their last year of middle school I cant say they were popular but they definitely have solid friendships and no complaints of bullying.

[Anonymous]

Not getting private lessons for an instrument or for swimming.

[Anonymous]

Get out of toxic relationships with other moms who are friends with your kid.

[Anonymous]

When my kids were younger I would ask parents of older kids this and to a person they have always said “I would worry less.” All the little things like tummy time and reading and sports and friends etc... doesn’t really matter. Love them, encourage them and listen to them, really listen. As a parent of a college student and. HS senior - they were totally right. I’d say the same.