Thanks for your honesty, and I'm so glad your family is happy and healthy now. I must have been inconsistent, or bipolar, or something, because from the firstborn to the third, I was not one to enforce rules, impose artificial limits, or use a system of reward or punishment. Clean up your own mess because it's the logical (or "right") thing to do, not because you'll be rewarded if you do what you should, or punished if you don't. So, they didn't pick up their messes or help with dishes, and I didn't issue consequences. I allowed them so much freedom - such a long leash - and to this day I look back and wonder if I shouldn't have run a tight ship and cracked down on this, that, and the other.
Parenting is the hardest job in the world. Most days, I'd rather have a root canal. without novocaine. Than hear the stressing out of daughters.
My mom had five girls, all a year apart in age. We were practically feral. She managed to instill some social skills and manners, but run a tight ship? I never learned that. And I've often wished I had.
May your three continue to thrive and be the kind, generous souls they are!
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