Kudos to courageous parenting

Dear Annie: I am writing a long overdue thank-you note to my parents. They are faithful readers of your column. Mom and Dad, I am thankful that:

You stood your ground and did not give in to me, even when I threw fits and demanded my way.

You supported me in school and gave me the tools to succeed, instead of letting me waste my potential.

You made me honour the commitments I had made, instead of allowing me to quit when it became hard or boring.

You took me to church on Sundays, rather than allowing me to sleep in.

You insisted that I respect authority, not thinking it was cute when I defied adults.

You made me speak using clean language, not tolerating profanity even though “everyone else talked that way.”

You checked my Facebook page and other social media, making me remove anything inappropriate or insulting to others.

You explained the dark and dangerous path I was choosing when I was tempted to dabble in alcohol and drugs, instead of turning a blind eye.

You encouraged and persuaded me to wait when I considered having sex as a teen, rather than buying me birth control.

You showed me how to forgive others and overlook offences, instead of letting me develop a bitter spirit.

You taught me the value of teamwork, not a “me first” attitude.

You guided me to develop goals and not live for immediate self gratification.

You helped me choose friends carefully and wisely, instead of welcoming everyone into my life under the guise of being nonjudgmental.

You insisted that I apologize when I was wrong and make efforts at reconciliation, rather than create unnecessary enemies.

You lectured me often, instead of biting your tongue.

You were the authority figures in the home, and I knew it. Even though I yelled that you hated me, I didn’t really believe that. I knew that every word and action from you came from a giant heart of love. Thank you for your courageous parenting.

Young Adult Who Is Better for It

Dear Young Adult: We can only imagine how proud your parents will be to see this. We hope every parent who reads your letter will make a copy to keep by their bedside and believe that their own child wrote it. Thank you.

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column.