Comments on: Protecting My Darlings: a writer’s dilemma

By: Marie Kléber

Marie Kléber — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 10:35:54 +0000

Very interesting post Katinka.
I am thinking about it more and more, as my boy is getting older. When he was small, I tend to be careful but not as much as now. Obviously he could not say if he was ok with me sharing parts of our story or not. But now, at 9, he is starting to have an idea on it and he does not always like me talking about him in some intimate ways.
So we had to draw a line about what can or can’t be said. And I agree it’s important to hear their voice. They have a right to be proctected and feel secure.

By: Piya Mukherjee

Piya Mukherjee — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 06:35:53 +0000

A truly compelling and honest perspective, Katinka! I found resonance with your words – have always checked with my son before submitting a parenting piece to WMN. And my extended family in India think that is hilarious, because culturally, ours is a culture of collectivism, not individualism – parents don’t routinely check with their children before doing something as simple as writing about parenting. Hence I am so glad to hear your voice in this piece! Thank you!

By: Cynthia Changyit Levin

Cynthia Changyit Levin — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 16:22:37 +0000

Yep. I ran into this as a blogger and it happened even more frequently as I wrote my first non-fiction book. I write about motherhood and activism, so most of my stories involve them in one way or another. These days, now that my 18 year old is a blogger and activist herself writing about youth activism, we check in with each other often.

It was much easier when they were smaller and my kids’ troubles reflected most kids’ dilemmas..lost teeth, potty training, naps. As teens, the lives become much more private and their challenges are more unique. We have to respect that. It’s just the way it has to be.