If you are a parent, more particularly a parent of teenage children, then you need to watch 'The Middle' on ABC, Wednesday nights. You especially need to watch last night's episode because it speaks, no yells, "O.M.G. that's me!" Last night's episode was about how the current generation of parents have given up living for ourselves and substituted it for living for our children. They have taken control of the ship and we are at the mercy of their bidding. I, for one, fix multiple meals per night because "I don't like that". My mom would have responded to such a statement with "..." - well, I probably shouldn't use the words that would have likely spewed from her mouth - but it would have ended with a cackle and I would have eaten what she originally fixed or gone without. And had I gone to school and forgotten my instrument/books/or any other tools necessary to be a student, I would have had to get through the day without it because it was MY responsibility to get my stuff together and get it to school. Now don't get me wrong, mom and dad jumped through many-a-hoops for me (dead battery, uhm, 2 hours away, uhhmm!!!) - but they were not there to jump at my every beckon call.
This morning I was reminded by the Girl that she has an after school meeting (had one yesterday too!) and for me to be there at X o'clock. The Boy has to be at TaeKwonDo at XX o'clock. And gas cost $$$$. So I suggested that I go to the school, the Boy either attend same said meeting - or join me in the car; I don't care which. Then following the meeting, we take the Boy to TKD while the Girl sits in the do chang and does her homework until he is finished. "Noooooooo!" Neither liked the idea and each suggested options that required the Mom-mobile to go 'to and fro' and 'back and forth'. Having been down this road before, and not liking the ride - I took the reins and informed them that I would be making but ONE trip out today and they could figure amongst themselves how to make it work for them. And you know what - they did. The Boy will be joining me in the car until the Girl finishes the meeting, then I drop the Boy off at TKD and take the Girl home, then Dad picks the Boy up from TKD on his way home from work. Mission accomplished - parents back in control. Small steps people, small steps.
and now to figure out a singular menu for dinner. ok, tiny steps!
I LOVE THIS POST!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt made me smile, nodding my head and saying, "of course!"
The photo is perfect, too.
But us teenagers love winding you parents up! That is all part of the fun! Just kidding.. although it does sound alot like myself, especially the numerous meals...lol. Great post.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, did your post strike a cord in me. I'm a grandma from the old school-ways, and it kills me to see how families are contolled these days by there off-spring!!!! I just don't think it is teaching them anything of value, and BRAVO to you for taking the reigns!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat show is the best and I think last nights was the best one yet! It was so true!!! Loved your post and pictures!
ReplyDeleteAh! Oh so true! Will have to keep my kids in check as they grow up. I hear ya about the gas prices. I was hoping we wouldn't have to go through this again but it looks like we are. Love your photo and story.
ReplyDeleteThis post is AWESOME! I've never seen the show, but am making a note to DVR it!
ReplyDeleteI caught the last 10-15 minutes of The Middle last night. Funny show.
ReplyDeleteThe last road shot is my favorite. I'm jealous if that really is your 'road'. My freeway drive makes my skin crawl.
awesome pix to go with a GREAT post!
ReplyDeletecan't let these little people rule us!
though I am guilty of it also!
tara
Taking notes for when my girls are teenagers, it will probably be here well before I'm ready! I love the angle of your photo.
ReplyDeleteStand your ground! It's their job to wheedle like crazy, but it doesn't mean you have to cave to them! These days, parents also get pulled much more into support for the 20 somethings as well. I have a feeling we're just a few short years away from the pendulum swinging in the direction again of asking more of our teens.
ReplyDeletewhat a great shot and a great post. For now we're a homeschool family so that's not an issue with us yet.
ReplyDeleteThat show is so funny. what a perfect photo for this story. LOL. We live in the middle of no mans land when we leave the house we do it with purpose becasue things are far away. My kids whine because they don't want to go to the other activites. I like you say to bad and either go or dont.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I"m sometimes the one being ordered around and jumping from hoop to hoop for my little darlings. I put my foot down when it comes to meals, however. If they don't like what's on the menu, they can make a PB&J or bowl of cereal. I do sometimes feel like a taxi driver. I need to paint my Suburban yellow. :)
ReplyDeleteWe LOVE that show! We howl through the whole thing because like you said, it SCREAMS "That is our family!!!".
ReplyDeleteI love the pic you posted, too - perfect for the post!
I have never watched that show..I will have to check it out! Not looking forward to the teenage years, but I am glad they were able to come up with a solution that worked for everyone!
ReplyDelete