Good Advice

Why is it that I often resent or disbelieve advice - thinking my own experience is unique - and then have to relearn hard lessons others have already learned and tried to spare me?

1) Kids grow up faster than you think! Enjoy every minute.

2) Don't quit piano lessons; when you're an adult you'll regret quitting.

3) Don't be reckless with other people's hearts, and don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

4) Never buy an RV on e-bay!

Reflections on this advice:

#1: How could a new parent possibly believe this advice when they are getting up every 2 hours all night, spending all their money on formula and diapers, getting spit up on, toting a diaper bag and tons of baby equipment everywhere, potty training, wrestling kids in and out of carseats, dealing with temper tantrums, going to the doctor's office every other week for vaccinations or ear infections, finding a babysitter every time they want to do something, etc.? The advice is so true, though, and oh how I wish I could go back! I'm glad I still have time to enjoy the rest of the minutes with my quickly growing children.

#2: Now I'm the adult sharing that same advice, and I know there is no eighth-grader on the planet who will believe me, just as I didn't believe the adults in my life at that age. I deeply regret quitting piano lessons, but I hope to begin taking them again as an adult. Now I LOVE to play and wish I could play well.

#3: The best advice - period.

#4: Uh . . . let's not even go there.