A potential parent ponders the possibilities

I have three siblings. We’re all very different. Two of us get along well with our father — and one sibling does not. We were all basically raised the same way. It’s just a personality clash.

I’m at the age where most of my friends are having children, and my wife and I are considering having kids ourselves. Sometimes I want children, and other times I think of myself arguing with a teenager and I’m terrified.

How can anyone know if they would be a good parent or if they would enjoy it?

— Anonymous

DEAR ANONYMOUS >> Parenting is a great leap into the unknown. You can never know in advance what your child’s temperament will be like, or what health issues might arise that could greatly refocus your life.

I do think that some people are oriented toward children. They see children as fascinating and try to connect with them.

Other adults only discover their capacities once they have children of their own.

Many people experience a genuine shift once they have children: A parent’s heart grows, compassion deepens, and their capacities expand in response to a child’s vulnerability. Plus, babies are entrancing, young children are hilarious, and adolescents fill your life with intrigue.

Do you connect with your friends’ children — or your nephews and nieces — in a special way? Do you have a strong instinct that having a child will somehow “complete your family?” Then you might be ready to take the leap into this humbling and profound human experience.

DEAR AMY >> During the summer I work as a housekeeper at local rental cabins. The guests are mostly fishermen and vacation travelers, so the duration of their stay may be one night or several nights.

If they are staying multiple nights, I visit the cabin while they are out and make the beds, replenish the coffee, condiments, soaps, replace used towels and remove the garbage.

If there is a kitchen with dirty dishes, I will wash those, even though there is a posting that indicates they are responsible for leaving the dishes clean upon departure.

Oftentimes the cabin looks like a bomb went off. I figure they are on vacation and have better things to do than clean. I take pride in my work.

More often than not, I receive no gratuity. I do not spruce up the cabins only to receive a tip, but since I rarely see the guests, this is one way they can show their appreciation.

Once in a blue moon some will leave a note or a couple of coins laying on the floor.

With summer vacation plans being formulated now, please remind your readers to acknowledge the housekeeping staff.

— Cinderella

DEAR CINDERELLA >> My theory is that anyone who has ever worked in the service sector tips generously. I’m happy to remind everyone to do the same.