Someone who isn’t yet but plans to be a parent asked me if I had any parenting tips .

The initial context was general (something along the lines of “your kids seemed to have turned out well”) and then was specific (“________________ is awesome”)*.

When the question was broad, I couldn’t answer. It depends on the topic and age of the kid (sleeping, discipline, helping out, getting along, reading, driving, snoozing, working). The question was sort of impossible to answer without context.

When he attempted to narrow the question and said (“_____________ is awesome”), the answer was easy.

“I don’t take credit for their accomplishments or blame for their mistakes“.**

It’s not always easy but I really try not to.

* Someone has said this about each of the kids at different times for different reasons so it’s totally appropriate not to single one out because it doesn’t matter who it is or the circumstances, I still stick by my answer.

** This doesn’t apply to neglect, abuse, extreme indulgence, or other kinds of parenting polarity.