I went camping this weekend with my two youngest children (5&8) and my father. It was with the Cub Scout troop.<P>We had a great time but there were definitely some sad points. Like when my 8 year old asked me if his mom would be proud of him for his efforts at archery!<P>Of course, I responded by saying his mother would be very proud as I was! You see I am always telling the boys how proud I am of them for certain things they do (like helping others, trying their best, and other accomplishments they may have.<P>I am very proud of my children and my wife and I have done a great job raising kids who care about other people. <P>It is sad to me that now they will not benefit from both of our involvement and that all experiences will have to be related to the other parent. It loses something in the translation!<P>Of course my wife continues to believe that the kids will not be affected at all by this experience. Boy does she wear blinders!

Yeah, they can sure be stupid!<P>You know, most people turn out to be allright people. And we are all scarred in one way or another. <P>But it is so sad when a parent does this to their child. You seem like a wonderful dad and I know seeing your children hurt is breaking your heart like it breaks mine.<P>But you did well with the situation. Congrats!!