Changing forum names

[Carolla]

"Kids today" ?
Other than that - I like just plain "Parenting" - it's clear to me that issues would revolve around raising that next gen

 

[Tabitha]

I like family life as it can also be about reverse oarenting- caring for aging parents as well as about raising kids

 

[Seeler]

I was thinking that too Tabitha

 

[Jaebius]

"Kids today" ?
Other than that - I like just plain "Parenting" - it's clear to me that issues would revolve around raising that next gen

Is a grandparent who is raising kids parenting - or grandparenting? What about we who are stepparents? Are we parenting or stepparenting? Parenting is a loaded word which suggests that only parents are fit primary caregivers.

 

[Carolla]

Jae - from the posts I see, it is only you who are taking the "parenting" title so literally. Several others have commented to you about this above. Nobody is excluded - unless of course you want to be. Your point has been addressed previously.

 

[Jaebius]

Jae - from the posts I see, it is only you who are taking the "parenting" title so literally.

Perhaps that is because I am a stepparent - whereas the rest of those who have spoken were parents when they raised their kids?

Several others have commented to you about this above. Nobody is excluded - unless of course you want to be. Your point has been addressed previously.

I still feel the word "Parenting" is exclusionary. However - if my feelings here are unappreciated - I shall no longer voice them on this particular matter.

 

[chansen]

Parenting is an action verb, not a noun. Anyone can parent - you don't technically have to be one. It is not exclusionary of anyone who is providing parent-like guidance or care.

 

[Mendalla]

Per Merriam-Webster:

Full Definition of PARENTING
1: the raising of a child by its parents
2: the act or process of becoming a parent
3: the taking care of someone in the manner of a parent

Definition 3 clearly means anyone can be considered to be "parenting" whether literally a parent or not. It is legitimate English usage. That said, Family Life is bit broader. It would allow for discussion, for instance, of caring for elderly parents or disabled adult children. I am cool with either, myself.

 

[Seeler]

Seeing both sides of the discussion, I'm back to prefering "Family Life". The argument against it was that many 'family' threads involving adults (ie aging parents, siblings) now take place in Relationships. I tend to think of Relationships as more concerned with outside relationships - work, neighbours, friends (including virtual friends), fellow club members, dating relationships that haven't yet advanced to the stage where they consider themselves a family. I admit that the line between the two is think. But the line between several different forums can be think at times. I often wonder which forum to post a topic in.

So, if there is to be a decision about changing the name or not - I vote for Family Life. But I'm also ok with Parenting.

Margaret Laurence's book 'A Jest of God' is about a middle-aged spinster school teacher who lives with an overbearing, critical mother. The climax of the book occurs when she takes charge of her life, and makes a major decision for herself and her mother - and as she cares for her mother, she realizes "I am the mother now."