I’m writing this note thinking that Amy Wilson has already done my job for me this month, and that readers would be well-advised to begin this issue by jumping over to her personal essay (“Finding The Optimal Push”). Amy ponders the issue of how and how much we should and shouldn’t push our children to succeed at their various pursuits, knowing that the world will expect more and more of them as they grow up, and especially when they are young adults. My kids are now 15 and 11, and I suspect that this concern is at the root of many of the conversations that my wife and I have about them. Just last night, because I had taken a gander for second at one of his camp notes, I expressed some dismay at the state of my son’s apathetic handwriting—this while we’re in the middle of getting ready for our big family vacation. But of course, I’m hardly alone in my desire to see my children engaged in and excelling at activities and interests that seem enriching and enjoyable, especially right now, as their fall schedules come together. And I’m sure that many readers, with children from toddlers to teens, will relate to Amy’s reflection.
So go ahead, read her essay, and I’ll wait for you here.
Instead of finding another way to reflect on the season ahead, I’d rather look back at my rapidly disappearing, but quite endearing, summer. With both children away at summer camp, and my wife unemployed and three-quarters looking, we had more time for each other that was untethered from immediate parental obligations; more time to enjoy, yes, but also more time re-calibrate aspects of our relationship as our children grow up. So for me, after a series of disagreements and conciliations, of push and push-back, and further reflections, it turned out to be a summer of recommitment to what so far has been the most awesome adventure—the Big Push—of my adult life: Marriage and family.
How was your summer? How are you feeling about the fall?
Happy September!
Eric Messinger
Editor, [email protected]
