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The piece you’re reading now is by Bridie Jabour. Bridie is co-host of the podcast Cool Story with Bri & Bridie, and opinion editor at Guardian Australia. Her latest book is the collection of essays, Trivial Grievances.
The chasm between concept and reality is never starker than when a small child is involved. Particularly your own child. No matter how cool you try to play it, there is, in your head—before conception has even taken place—an idea of what your child will be like. It goes beyond this drive to ‘maximise potential’ (the right books, limiting screentime, etc.) that has such a chokehold on modern parenting.
The idea you have in your head of what your child will be like often mirrors your best traits (Hamish will be funny) and your secret ambitions (Hamish will learn guitar and become a rockstar). Every parent on earth is guilty of this. I don’t care where you are from. You think there is something about your child you already know before you have met them. And then they turn up and completely baffle you.
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