Observing today: Mothering seems to be a “two steps forward, one step back” proposition. It’s important to keep that in mind, I think, especially as you parent into the teen years. Sometimes, your child isn’t ready to be as independent as they claim. And in our case, I feel like it’s time for a remedial course on time management.
It’s too easy to say, it’s a phase or “welcome to teenagers.” It’s also too restrictive to expect adult behaviour, when so many adults don’t seem to get it either! I’m certainly not the paragon of organization. So, we’re taking a step back together. Because parenting is also a collaborative endeavor. We don’t teach lessons to blank slates; our children have moods and personalities and wills and minds of their own! We learn, or don’t learn, together. Give and take, whether we like it or not!
And so we’re learning that actions do have consequences. Which means he’s grounded. Which means I’m grounded. And we start over. Begin again. Me, more present. Him, less free. Eventually, he’ll get it. And then I’ll have to learn the only solo lesson that parenthood has to offer. . . the lesson of letting go.
Until then, we’re in this together, kid.
Note: I read an amazing post on mothering this morning: if you don’t read Dropped Stitches, you really should!
Yeah, you said it! We are all grounded. But getting “grounded” let’s one reposition to climb to new heights, right?
In any case, once he “get’s” it- he’s going to be unstoppable!
It never ends, this parenting stuff. However, it gets to a point where everyone knows what to expect from each other, thus a more adult footing. It still has its moments though, OH YEAH.
Oh how I have missed you Wende!! I’m just “finding” you again, looks like I have some catching up to do! I have kept you and your family in my prayers, I’m so very happy you are back!! Love, Teri
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Teri!! I’m so glad you found me again. And we appreciate all the prayers we can get. I hope all is well with you and yours! ~~Wende
Wow! Thanks for the shout out! I am really flattered! I am totally there with you on the teenagers thing. Just when you think you’ve got it down as a mom, they change like werewolves in a full moon. And you don’t know anything anymore!
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I adore your blog… and I told the world. Ok, I told Twitter and Facebook and my readers. So, a few people. 😀 ~W