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.
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!
Posted by: Kalynne Pudner | June 15, 2008 at 09:48 AM
He did go on and on yesterday about how no teen needs a personal cellphone...
Posted by: suburbancorrespondent | June 15, 2008 at 02:59 PM
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.
Posted by: Devilish Southern Belle | June 15, 2008 at 05:16 PM
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.
Posted by: Daisy | June 15, 2008 at 07:08 PM
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.
Posted by: bia | June 15, 2008 at 08:29 PM
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!
Posted by: bia | June 15, 2008 at 08:32 PM
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
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 15, 2008 at 08:37 PM
He should give you a kickback--I'll order the book!
Posted by: Jenn @ Juggling Life | June 16, 2008 at 12:33 AM