Dear Pam: I really like your attitude. Thanks for the good stories. It's good to be able to really enjoy life and to question norms reasonably so, to find truths and make changes for the better, while still being respectful of the given social norms in a situation, even if not prescribing to the social norm in question, but rather prescribing to your own social norms, reasonably so (like how you were respectful of the social norm that kids must finish everything on their plate but didn't require your own kids to do this because you don't agree with this and this not a social norm for you or one that you and your family prescribe to.) I thought it was interesting that you've noticed that kids over 3 will generally go along with social norms. Society could stand to mature and progress/evolve for the better, in respects to some social norms, for sure.
I'm glad you are lighthearted about things for the most part.
P.S.-
I've always wanted to adopt 4-6 kids, from different cultures. I think it's great for kids to grow up together multiculturally/interracially.
Signed, Shaunasi