I'm one of those who think this situation isn't good for the child. While the 70-something mom might have experience and wisdom to impart, she does not have longevity. A child needs her parent at critical times in her life, and that mom is likely not to be around. That would leave a hole in the child's life that just can't be filled completely by another. I find this prospect very sad.
I knew someone who was raised by an elderly parent and, while he expressed the love of a son, he admitted resentment about not being able to do the things "normal" kids do growing up with their parents, people mistaking his father for his grandfather, and losing his father in his teens.
While there are probably exactly opposite, happier examples, I would still want to be at my daughter's wedding, not anticipating my daughter burying me. Morbid thought, I know; but, that's how I feel about this story.
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I'm one of those who think this situation isn't good for the child. While the 70-something mom might have experience and wisdom to impart, she does not have longevity. A child needs her parent at critical times in her life, and that mom is likely not to be around. That would leave a hole in the child's life that just can't be filled completely by another. I find this prospect very sad.
I knew someone who was raised by an elderly parent and, while he expressed the love of a son, he admitted resentment about not being able to do the things "normal" kids do growing up with their parents, people mistaking his father for his grandfather, and losing his father in his teens.
While there are probably exactly opposite, happier examples, I would still want to be at my daughter's wedding, not anticipating my daughter burying me. Morbid thought, I know; but, that's how I feel about this story.
June 4, 2008 - 5:14pmThis Comment
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