Living, as we do, out in the middle of nowhere, we seem to be some of the last people to have received our copy of my latest illustration job. I was asked to illustrate an article about the book Red Flags or Red Herrings by Susan Engel. The book is about parenting and how we as adults influence our kids (or not). It suggests there are some things we may see in our children that are cause for worry or a different approach and that other things that might seem alarming really aren’t at all.
The cover just shows angsty parents. I prefer the inside image, where they’re totally unhinged. Which is how I feel a lot of the time (though I can’t actually say that it’s due to my kids most of the time).
Basically, from Dr. Engel’s research and writing, it sounds like my children are who they are and there isn’t too much I can do to change them (she’d probably be horrified that this is what my take-away from the book was, but there you go – the more nuanced read just won’t fit comfortably in a blog post). I don’t know if this is terrifying or a relief. Either way, I feel satisfied now that I can just throw my hands up in the air and claim “Nature!” whenever my kids do something particularly despicable.
Or when I do something particularly despicable, for that matter. Thanks, science!
And thanks to everyone who sent heads ups and compliments – it’s always nice to know my drawings are out in the world getting seen.
You are clearly underestimating the effect that I have on your children, with my infrequent visits, cheesecake and baby blankets.
Anyone who supports a purple cow must have (relatively) normal parents. It’s the rest of the world that’s a bit off, I surmise. Congrats on a Williams illustration job. I look forward to seeing many more.
If it makes you feel any better, I have yet to receive my copy of the Alumni Review. Apparently Tulsa is even more “in the middle of nowhere” than Chestertown. I’m not surprised. :)
Can’t wait to see your illustrations and read more about how I can’t blame myself for my toddler’s crazy moments.
Terrific work, Robbi. I got the copy in the mail yesterday, so I’m looking at it close up-and-personal. Especially nice since it’s the issue that talks about my son’s grad ceremonies. Haven’t read the article yet, but look forward to anything that absolves me of parenting guilt. ;-)