I say this because, both my parents (of West Indian descent) were neither affectionate nor encouraging, not intentionally I’m sure, because I look at my parents as just mimicking what they saw as they grew up.  But it’s so important to be encouraging and affectionate with your children (if you have any) or you can find yourself as an adult seeking approval from others, even in what you post in your blog and weighing your posts based on the views of those who you don’t even know and whether they’ll reblog it! I’m guilty! It’s like dmwalking was saying, and which I totally agree with, how of what we see in social media, wherever it maybe is real and not a facade? Some may think my posts are boring and I shouldn’t care because it’s what interests me! I say all that to say kids need encouragement and love. Even though it’s hard at times, I encourage and love my children, all 8 of them , 2 went to be with the Lord, but the ones that are here receive love and attention from my wife and I. The ultimate security is from the Lord, yet you still want your children to be secure in their decision making and not base it on the thought of others.