I Was Raised Old School
Most of the 'parenting' I received came through my Grandmother, and absolutely amazing woman. She was the strongest, most dignified person I know..... My parents weren't very capable of being parents, but when my mum was ok or high she was also quite strict....
Up until I was about 8 my grandmother treated me like all the other kids; should be seen and not heard, a general nuisance etc, until she started to see how much I was doing for her daughter, then I became a young lady.
She had me walking around with books on my head, taught me how to cook, and iron a mans shirt, and generally be a lady, but a strong and dignified one.... She would also wash my mouth out with soap, and if I did something really bad Id still be sent to get the wooden spoon, or if it was something awful the belt. I remember her telling me about feminism, and how good it was, but how I should still know how to take care of my husband and children, she used to dress me in these little suits or dresses, and I used to follow her to her knitting, lace, womens institute etc etc meetings, and sit with all the other grown ups. I was her little prodigy.
That mixed with a convent school, and a brief stint at finishing school, taught me how to be a lady.
Its all gone completely out the window now, but I can pull out all the stops when necessary, I know what cutlery to use at dinner parties, how to sit and walk properly, how to act around men and those older than me. Im quite grateful for it, really. Even though I dont use it now, it will probably come in handy at some point.
