Our primary concern as mothers is naturally our children’s well-being. Isn’t it funny how we all interpret that slightly differently, though? I have one friend who understands her kids’ welfare as requiring that she spend as much time as humanly possible by their side. Another pushes her kids to master countless extracurriculars to give them an “edge.” A third whose central issue is that her kids treat others with kindness, and who seeks out charity projects far and wide. We all have our shtick, and usually it’s informed by perceived gaps in our own upbringing. I know mine is.

I have two, actually. I’m consumed by efforts both to properly feed and nourish my kids’ bodies, and to enlighten them by the constant study and discussion of philosophy and politics. Reflecting on my youth, it was filled with junk food and mediocre health, and by a virtual familial obliviousness to current events and the liberal arts. Oops. [Read more…]