This really resonates, Rick, and I am glad you have shared your story here today. You have just explained something that I think i "knew" but didn't know. Tai sent me over and I thank her for that.

As to the whole parenting thing - I have 4 boys and I never let them win at things if I could beat them. When they did eventually surpass me at chess (and they did) they knew they had beaten me and were rightly proud of their achievement. This whole parenting lark is tricky. I subscribe to the notion that there is no such thing as good parenting - just good enough. We are all doing the best we can. Be kind to yourself, and as Tai said - make sure you take time out for yourself when you need to - that way you will be giving your children permission to do the same when they need to.

In deep appreciation of your wonderfully alive and spontaneous storytelling, A🙏💚