Gross, crazy weird stuff I did as a country kid in the 60's and 70's

I grew up in the 60s and 70s in upstate NY. I was a free spirit. Times were different. Kids were allowed to make mistakes and learn from them. We could wander the countryside without danger from strangers. As kids, we (my siblings and I) did a lot of crazy things. It didn't hurt us any and I think I'm better for it. At the very least, I have some crazy stories to tell the kids and grand-kids. It's natural for kids to test and retest their limits, boundaries and such. It's natural for kids to do gross, disgusting things. Incidentally, we were never bored. Our imaginations had no limits. 

My cousins ate dog biscuits. No lie. They did it on a regular basis. One day they talked me into it. Now I can tell people what dog biscuits taste like. They're sort of gritty and chalky, like ground up bones. Which I suppose is exactly what they are. I did some crazy things as a kid. Eating dog biscuits didn't hurt me any. I'm a vegan now, but it isn't because I ate dog biscuits. At least, I don't think so. They were pretty gross but that's not the grossest thing we did.

Okey dokey artichokey, you do you

I've been through a lot with my 3 kids and 8 grand-kids. Some of what I've experienced with them is downright heartbreaking.

-Teens exploring their options and boundaries.

-Young adults struggling with the ugly side of adulting for the first time.

-Unresolved resentments

Sometimes I've been unintentionally caught in the crossfire. How about you?

Have you ever had someone you love disregard your feelings or criticize the way you live? Maybe they even rejected you entirely over some stupid mistake you made. On top of that, they may even forget that you're also a human being with feelings and worries beyond your relationship with them.

Frustrating isn't it? Especially when you can't imagine what you've done to deserve this kind of treatment. It's can be quite insulting.

That is, it's insulting if you let your ego run your life. If you take a step back and control your reaction, you might both be OK.

Remember, if they're still young, they haven't been through your hard earned lessons. Respect that they've been through some of their own, though. They'll likely go through many more. It takes time to get to that place of peace in life.

Let them have the time and space they need to develop understanding. Don't get offended if they make you feel like a casualty of their inner battles. They'll come around.

When they swipe at your ego, just do that step back.

Take a breath and say, “Okey dokey artichokey, you do you! I'll still be here for you, even if you won't give me the time of day right now. I love and support you and always will.”

Now, understand, I'm not saying you should allow your kids and grand-kids to continually cause you grief. Just focus on your own life. Be a good example. Fight fire with love. Let them think whatever they think until they've found their peace. They'll get there.

Meanwhile, you can be a good example. Or you can let your ego rule and be a bad one. Pretty clear choice. Okie Dokey, artichokey?