Same Mom and Dad ... Different Parents

January is a month to ponder beginnings and endings. Our oldest and youngest children, Dan and Janette, were born in January. They have five brothers and one sister sandwiched in between. They have the same mom and dad, but were raised by different parents. This is how it went:

When Dan was eight months old, we were concerned. He wasn't crawling yet. In an effort to motivate his development, we worked with him every day, lining up paths of marshmallows on the carpet for him to retrieve. When Janette was eight months old, one of her brothers announced, "Look, mom and dad, Janette can crawl!" We were amazed. How could she be crawling so soon?

Dan took naps as a preschooler. He and I climbed onto his bed with his favorite stack of books, and I read until he fell asleep. It usually took about five books. Then, I got up and went back to my important work. Janette took naps, also. She and I climbed onto my bed with one book, and she read until I fell asleep. It usually took a couple of pages. Afterwards, she got up and went back to her important work.

Before Dan went to school each morning, he had to make his bed and tidy his room. If he didn't, I called the school and had the principal send him home to do it. Janette makes her bed and tidies her room on Saturday . . . if she wants to go out with her friends, that is.

At age fifteen, Dan got his driver's license. We were thrilled. He could finally perform many of the carpool duties and errands. At age fifteen, Janette wanted to get her driver's license. We held her off as long as we possibly could, and questioned legislators who pass laws allowing such youthful drivers.

Here's what it comes down to in the semi-final analysis. Parenting techniques come and go like busy ants at a picnic. What matters most is the unwavering love that's behind them.