A truly bizarre parenting story has taken the internet by storm this week.
Now, there’s nothing quite as rewarding as parenthood.
The love between you and your child is something unlike any other feeling on earth… It’s a pretty magical thing.
Although you try and do the best for your child…
Everyone has an opinion on what you’re doing wrong.
There are many things that make parenthood irritating…
But there’s one thing pretty much every parent out there can relate to, which is feeling like you’re not giving your kids the best.
And there are a whole host of controversial decisions to be made around parenting.
It’s safe to say, people have some pretty strong opinions…
Like, for example, how to split duties between parents…
With single parenting being even tougher!
And modern parents have even more stresses to go through.
Technology has made the already hard job of parenting even trickier — especially as kids grow older.
There’s another big issue for parents, these days.
The highly topical issue of helicopter parenting.
It can be tricky to toe the line between responsible and overprotective.
But it’s important to foster independence and trust in your kids, to risk a serious rebellion down the line.
It often all comes down to communication.
And making sure your kids feel they can come to you with their problems will always make things easier.
Respect is another pertinent issue when it comes to parenting.
As a lack of respect is really what most fights between parents and kids come down to.
Patience is also key.
As any parent will tell you, you need the patience of a saint on some days.
The feeling of inadequacy can also bring parents down.
But if you’re trying your best, rest assured — you’re being a top-level parent!
Trying to instill discipline is key.
But, let’s be honest — it’s not always possible! Sometimes kids just aren’t in the mood to be obedient.
There’s something else that can make parenting seem scary.
That feeling that there just isn’t enough time!
Not only do days rush past when you’re super busy taking care of a little one…
But you want to treasure the precious, fleeting moments of your child’s early days (and years).
Dealing with fear is another big issue of parenting.
With a world out there that feels vast and frightening, it can be tempting to wrap you child up in cotton wool.
But you need to allow your child to experience life for themselves!
So long as they always know they can rely on you to help them out in times of need!
A lot of good parenting actually relies on relinquishing of control.
Which is, as any parent knows, easier said than done.
But you’ve got this!
The very fact you’re concerned about becoming a better parent means you’re already doing a great job!
But one rather unconventional parent has taken the internet by storm this week.
Dutch musician Jonathan Jacob Meijer, 42, has fathered over 550 children.
Meijer is a sperm donor, registered at not one, but 11 clinics!
He’s so prolific that the authorities have had to step in to stop him fathering any more children.
The Donorkind Foundation has launched a campaign to prevent him from donating any more sperm.
As Netherlands citizens are subject to a limit of 25 children who can be conceived.
Ties van der Meer, chair of the Donorkind Foundation, said: “We are taking action against this man because the national government is doing nothing. He has a global reach via the internet and he does business with large international sperm banks.”
Eva, one of the women who have used Meijer as a donor said: “If I had known he had already fathered more than 100 children I would never have chosen him.”
“If I think about the consequences this could have for my child I am sick to my stomach… Many mothers have told him he needs to stop, but nothing helps. So going to court is the only option I have to protect my child.”
What do you think about this strange story?