Baldo by Hector D. Cantú and Carlos Castellanos for September 10, 2022

Does Carmen even have children of her own? She helps raise her nephew’s children.

My parents believed that relentless pressure and constant criticism constituted good parenting. Major factors in making me the basket case I am today.

Guile and subterfuge worked pretty well for me at times.

It isn’t easy being a parent…not back in the day…but so much worse now!

Beating their butts work really well too.

My Mom had a PHD in Shame & Guilt Science from the International University of Ethnic Mothers!

Birth control is great, too.

My parents never tried to invoke guilt and shame, for which I am profoundly grateful.

Try discipline.

Different children need different rules and discipline.

I was a good child. Did not get in trouble. Did my schoolwork. No school problems (okay, unless it was someone picking on me – which could even be my sister who is 5 years younger than me).

My sister on the other hand… well, the fact that the child who is younger is by 5 years picks on the older one…