So, as a parent are we expected to be completely human and fallible or completely perfect or somewhere in between. If in between what does that look like and how do we define it or does it matter?
When your child is part himself and part you and part your partner (if that is the case) how do you put your best self forward as to your contribution or alternatively not screw it up royally as to your part and still be yourself or your best self?
Moral of this story? Being an engaged, in the trenches, parent is not for the faint of heart or ego, but also not for the egotistical or lazy. It is also not just for the biological. Parenting with purpose requires you to be human & present, bringing your A game and prepared for some serious humility whether you like it or not.
You hear that clock ticking? That is not your biological clock. Nope. As an engaged and present parent, that is your mortality meter and personal gauge adjusting to the fact that you now answer to another generation that will judge you as you judged the parents before you.
The best birth control? The reality of the immensity and beauty of parenthood as well as the truth that the decision to not have children is legitimate and meaningful. How green the other pastures are when you are across the fence.
