So in the many years to come, we will watch our kids grow, we will love them, and only want the best for them, but how do we not become the parents/in-laws that our kids discuss on places like this?

There are always lots of threads on HB about parents and ILs, good and bad threads, but I always think....how do I not become my mother, my MIL when my LO (hopeful LOs) are grown and gone.

I always think about creating the right amount of space, but that can always be interpreted the wrong way. Who knows, friction of distance could come in to play. I'm pretty outspoken, will that tone down as I age and mature as a parent? There are so many unknowns, and variables, but I feel like I need to write to myself now about how I feel and what I hope for LO and never become the parent that my kids want to evade for any type of reason.

Of course I love my parents and in-laws, but of course have had major differences with them and it now has a very negative/damaging impact on our relationship. I never want to do this to my children and their spouses, no one deserves that kind of hurt.