Not in the parenting manual

Being a seasoned parent now ( i like to think)  I want to send out a formal complaint to the writers of the parenting manual....oh wait, there is no manual? WHAT THE HELL ARE WE DOING THEN!?  Of course there is the 'what to expect when youre expecting' and 'toddler years' whatever.  Can we get a book on "what to expect during the 18+ years"?  Im here as witness or proof that, by God these are some hard years also!  We all think, hey lets get our babies to 18 and PoOf, away they fly...reality is while their taking flight, sometimes as we happily watch them...they drop a big nasty poo in our faces.  Yep, as if to say, everything you raised us with, everything you taught us...well, here it is mom, back in your face.  They then continue to fly around erratically, running into windows, parked cars, bigger birds that want to eat them, huge cats, dogs...these new found wings they cant control and dont seem to have great vision either of the dangers they flutter around.  They are just so clouded with the thought of being that big majestic eagle of an adult.  The erratic flying is representing bad choices, it isnt a thought out process or decision.  The consequences of such doesnt even enter their minds and with poor choices, sometimes the consequences are life altering and permanent.  The smashing into windows represents thinking they see things clearly, it seems fine, i dont foresee anything bad (little voice of wisdom in the form of a parent screaming dont fly there) news flash, you arent seeing clearly.  Bigger birds are out there little ones, they really are...those with more experience, more time on this earth, more time flying, more time making bad choices and such, more time learning how to either help or harm those little birds, more times than not...harming.  Those cats out there, they want to shred your wings, keep you close and use you for their entertainment. The dogs, they wait under the nest and as soon as you leap and aren't quite ready to fly... Falling to the ground they devour you... Lots of times as the mommy bird watches. Us mommies can scream and screech, dive bomb, attack and chase from any of these dangers and it does it no good. We are forced to watch as the thing closest to our heart is ripped away. Children, take notes, this life comes full circle and although we would not wish the pain that we've endured while raising you, trust that it's very likely to come back to you... Only then will you know, I pray you don't, but as always, guess who will be right there to help you. Use the knowledge of us majestic eagles who have survived. May not be what you want, but trust it's what you need.