>Call us back in 2024. I'll be interested to see how it went.
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>Actually, I can give you the names now of parents who have been successful.
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>I played a hand in the teen years of my wife's youngest brother. Her dad split when the boy was 11 - and I was asked to take on a big role with him. No, it wasn't the same as being a full-time parent, but it was enough to know I'm not talking out my backside.

KG, it's not about success or lack of it. Children gradually move away from their parents. The lucky ones are well positioned to be happy and successful in life. It's just nature's way. If you are honest you will realize you were that way. I was. Show me a kid who is willing to be under mom and dad's yoke until adulthood and I'll show you a kid with insufficient self-confidence.

The hardest part of parenthood is learning how to let go. In one sense it never gets better than when they are little and utterly dependent on you. It just doesn't stay that way, and you shouldn't fight it.

Good for you for jumping in to help your nephew, BTW. I have never said you won't be a great parent. Your expectations are going to change, that's all.