Generation Gap

I married a man 12 years my senior. He doesn’t get my obsession with video games, my love for technology, my obsession with LOST (although that has nothing to do with our age difference), or the way I’ve embraced social media (i.e. Facebook). He thinks all of these things are a waste of time and that Facebook will lead me to hooking up with someone or attracting a stalker.

Like many others, I post a lot things on Facebook related to my child. My pride in her, my concern for her and my hopes for her future. Most of these posts result in the most comments. Since I was 19 when I had her, many of my Facebook friends have been around for ALL of Meg’s 21 years. So they know her and are “friends” with her too.

Today, I posted about a break-in and theft Meg experienced while at college. And, she similarly posted on the same subject. I was marveled how many people commented what a good mother I was. Flattered indeed! I’ve always said my greatest accomplishment in life was Meg and she’s just getting started.

But, it got me to thinking about the generation gap with our own parents. You know them. The ones who let you walk to school on your own, were only concerned that you did your homework—not what it was or heaven forbid that they helped you with it, and sent you out playing for the day—not caring where you went—with the only instruction to be home before the street lights went on. These were the simple days. You had your kid in the house until they were 18 years old and then you were done. College tuition. HA!

So when did it all change? Even at 19, as I was paying for my own way through college and taking care of my infant daughter, I planned for Meggie’s future; to be a good role model for her. I was going to be a success business woman (I am), we were going to live in a nice house (we do) and we were going to have things (we do). But does this make me a good mother? I don’t think so. My definition of a good mother is someone who loves your child unconditionally and puts their children above themselves unconditionally. And, that has nothing to do with a generation gap. This has always been the hallmark of being a good mom.