Not raising my child with the all-or-nothing type of thinking that can increase mental health challenges.

We gave her our genes, hope that is enough since that all we needed to be successful.

DCUM is a terrible place to ask this question. People here pride themselves on the “just getting by” type of parenting. Look at all the response on a thread I shall not name congratulating Op on using mediocre, cheap childcare that is what is most convenient for her, but not best for the child. I posted another thread recently on how to help my child do better and was shouted down. Posters feel uncomfortable when other parents are obviously putting in more effort and resources and try to cut them down so they feel less guilty themselves.

We sacrifice personally a lot to send our 3 kids to a top private school, sports and activities in general. They are so far doing great at everything… I am sure you can always do more, but with our finances, we are stretched to the limit.

Parent the kid you have, not the kid you want to have. I have 3 kids and each one of them is SOOOO different. I have learned how to be patient, validate their feelings, be firm and consistent and try to give love and warmth in our house.

They might not go to THE BEST school in the whole world, but they have loving, hands on parents and a safe nurturing environment to grow up in. They know they are loved and wanted.

OP, you're hilarious. My answer: love them, pay attention to them (not too much!), tell them they're awesome and of course, chose a fantastic man to have them with and passed along our most-excellent genes. You're welcome kids!

I hear you, OP.

we are considering moving out of state where there is a cluster of STEM schools for our child to attend.

the COL is higher, but we figure we will be saving the $$ we are not paying currently on private school.

we are also supplementing education with math/science/reading to be sure there is no summer slide this summer.

You have one life but you have multiple shots at become successful. Don't put that kind of pressure on kids

Anonymous wrote:You’ll have to define successful.

I guess it depends on who you talk to but successful as in being an independent and responsible adult.

Anonymous wrote:You’ll have to define successful.

+1. Financially successful? Not a fricking thing.

You’ll have to define successful.

Anonymous wrote:I’ll go first. We spent $30k for my son to attend a private Kindergarten that helped him excel during the first Covid year.

We also bought a home at the top of our price range to ensure he is in the best public school district for elementary school.

Your turn! It doesn’t have to be education related.

Congratulations! Now cut the attitude around everyone else or you and your son will have no friends.

Being good enough.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn/201512/the-good-enough-parent-is-the-best-parent

" ...the best parent is not the one who parents most, and certainly not the one who parents least, but the one who parents just the right amount.

Good enough parents do not strive to be perfect parents and do not expect perfection from their children.

Good enough parents respect their children and try to understand them for who they are. Good enough parents do not think of themselves as the producers, creators, or shapers of their children. ..."

🙄
I am doing my best to raise kids who are well balanced. OP you sound insufferable.

I’ll go first. We spent $30k for my son to attend a private Kindergarten that helped him excel during the first Covid year.

We also bought a home at the top of our price range to ensure he is in the best public school district for elementary school.

Your turn! It doesn’t have to be education related.