Poptart
2yr ago
When my son has gotten his vaccines they always show me the syringe and what it says on it and confirm with me that's what we consent to. I think that's the best way to make sure no mixups occur.
Poptart
2yr ago
The common arguments I have seen for infant male circumcision are tradition and hygiene. My response to the hygiene argument is bewilderment. What if someone said, "hey, let's remove your toenails at birth, it will be more hygienic for you later in life, you won't have to wash them or clip them. You don't need them to have a functional foot." Seems insane to me. It would be cruel to inflict pain and remove a healthy and normal part of the body for such a reason.
As for tradition, I often see value in certain traditions that offer a benefit, whether it be social or cultural. I don't see any value in circumcision as a tradition, even for "fitting in" because no one really sees penises except in a sexual context and I don't think there is a strong preference, in the US at least, for guys being circumcised. Last I heard the circumcision rate for boys born in the US was declining. I believe it is like 55% now when it used to be 65% or so.
I can relate to your desire to see your parents happy and how that affects your own happiness. My parents divorced when I was a child, so I have had a long time to get used to it.
My mother was in a number of relationships and remarried twice (the third marriage has stuck thankfully) but my father never got back out there and has been single for 25 years now. My dad seems happy enough being a bachelor. I just worry as he gets older and stops working he will be especially lonely. I am learning to release myself from a sense of responsibility for the core problem and focus on being in touch and supportive.
They will find ways to deal. If they split up they are doing so understanding how it will impact them. Don't put pressure on yourself to fix the situation. It will be a difficult time for them. Stay in touch and encourage family to do the same. They may also surprise you and be happier apart.
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