Just What The Doctor Ordered

Whoa! Suburban Correspondent here, which means that it must be Sunday again. How did that happen?  You know, I don't like this time-speeding-up-as-we-age thing.  I especially don't see how the time that is moving so slowly from my teens' viewpoint could be the same time that whizzes by me so fast that I can't even keep track of which month it is.  All I know is that I am reaching the halfway point of a year that, by my reckoning, shouldn't be anywhere past March yet. 

Of course, I can count on summer to slow things down a bit, albeit temporarily.  My least favorite date is the 1st of September.  The beginning of September is akin to being at the top of a greased chute which deposits me, approximately 3 seconds later, at the beginning of the next calendar year in a bewildered post-serial-holiday-state, a condition that renders me a sobbing shell of the woman I was a mere 4 months previous.  Thank the Lord for the therapeutic power of a festivities-free January.

Anyway, I had my annual pep talk today.  At a local homeschooling conference, I saw the doctor - Dr. Ray, that is - and listened to him remind me that

I am the grown-up.
I am allowed to set the rules.
There is no reason whatsoever to tolerate disrespect, verbal or otherwise, from my beloved progeny.

All things I already knew, of course; because I learned them from him last year. After last year's talk, I came home, kicked down the front door (figuratively speaking), and ordered my teenage daughter to her room.  "Why?" she asked, bewildered. 

"Because you've made my life a living hell for the past 10 months," I told her.  She was so stunned, she listened.  And then I slowly began to turn things around.  This book helped.

Still, it's good to be reminded of the basics from time to time.  So I went back today to imbibe more wisdom at the feet of the master.  You see, this man has 10 children.  That's right.  He's an expert.  He also has a comic delivery which has his audience practically rolling on the floor during his talks.  Go ahead, check him out.  You'll be glad you did.

And I'm not even getting a free book out of that little advertisement up there.  I am uncompromised.

Comments

[Kalynne Pudner]

I went straight to that site and ordered the book. Then I watched the interview. Now, I'm going to go yank five lazy teenage butts out of bed and make them clean out the barn. While I call Verizon and cancel their cell phone plans. Because I'm the grown-up and I get to set the rules. YeeeeeeeHAH!

[suburbancorrespondent]

He did go on and on yesterday about how no teen needs a personal cellphone...

[Devilish Southern Belle]

I am going to have to check this book out for sure, because the older my spawn get, the same things that worked as discipline when they were younger no longer work.

I am with you on the time thing....time crept by so very slowly when I was a teen...I remember that with such clarity even now. However...from 18-37 happened in the blink of an eye.

[Daisy]

It's so easy to decide to choose our battles and then just choose not to fight. It takes a post like this to remind me that I do my kids no favors by letting them get away with bad behavior.

[bia]

S.C.: You mentioned this guy to me one of the first times you visited my blog. I really do have to check him out.

I love the image of you kicking down the front door.

[bia]

Hmmm. I must have hit the wrong button because my comments didn't post . . . just my name. Makes it seem as if I posted nothing.

Anyway, suburbancorrespondent, you mentioned this guy to me one of the first times you visited my blog. I really do need to check him out.

I loved the image of you kicking down the front door. Nothing like making a statement!

[Elizabeth]

Hey Gal, wish I could have joined you! I'm glad Dr Ray gave you some "kick door" advice!
I'll drop you an e-mail later when I have a min...lots to talk about.
Blessings, E

[Jenn @ Juggling Life]

He should give you a kickback--I'll order the book!