So this is what responsible parenting feels like. I took the Lish swimming today - well I say swimming, it was more flapping on a foam float. See she doesn't know how to swim and isn't too keen on water generally (my fault entirely for relying on DVDs and TV too much). But I decided that 2012 was the year to undo the damage of infant sloth. I've been selfish. In my pursuit of a "quiet" or "easy" life I shamefully allowed Lish Losh to notch up hours and hours of TV. But it occurred to me recently, especially when school called to say she could do with extra coaching to get her reading up to scratch that I was in fact raising a "hoodie". It's ironic because reading and writing are the other two passions of my life (after yoga) and actually truth be told reading and creative writing were my first loves and my best friends growing up an only child in a single parent family. I'm making myself sound so cool right now it hurts to be me. Her dad too (not the only child weirdo thing). He's more of a book geek.
In the same way Jimi Hendrix's son is tone deaf I guess kids don't always inherit the bits you like about yourself.
Luckily punk music came along and saved me from myself and a life of total exclusion though I will admit to absolutely loving my own company still. Lishy I doubt will be that lucky. First off "music" and its related "scenes" have been replaced by reality TV and the cult of "celebrity". I can't allow Lishy to fall into that "something for nothing" culture.
So it was swimming today and there will be skating next week. I'll make an upright citizen of her yet. That's two things, the very thought of which used to send her into a catatonic rage but now she can't get enough of.
This has also mobilised my mind too. I get up with a purpose on a Saturday - none of this faffing around in a towelling robe until midday followed by aimless high street commercialism (the sales don't count; Sales are sensible).
As for Sunday - well now that's a different matter.
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