The more I learn, the less I know

I think one of the major problems with education today is the assumption that you have a certain amount you need to know and that is it.

'A little knowledge is a dangerous thing'.  I don't know who said that first, (neither does the internet)  but I have it rather ingrained in my head.  I have always understood the meaning as two fold.  Both that ignorance will work in favor of a government (those who know just a little are easy to lead), and that knowing just a little can far worse than nothing.

I was asked for parental advice again yesterday.  I hate when folk do that.  Not that I begrudge them the help, I would love to share, and I have opinions on everything!  But what if they take my advice and it turns out wrong?  The more kids I have, the more I realize I know very little.  I only have 5 kids, while I have a good idea how to proceed with them, sortof.  I also know perfectly well my parenting is what turned my kids into, well my kids.

Given the exact same five kids, and totally different parents, a totally different approach to certain situations might be needed. On the other hand, given 5 different kids and my exact household, they might turn out completely different!

And when you get right down to it, you didn't give me the whole story.  You asked what I would do about...pacifier use, vegetable eating, sleeping habits, tantrums, reading, math, spelling, a rash, a cold, talking back, or whatever.  You don't have all day to tell me all the details leading up to the current problem.  (and I don't have all day to hear them)

So while I will give you my opinion, please don't assume I have a clue what I am talking about!