I am the semi-neurotic mother of three kids, ages 18, 8 and 5. My oldest is off to college and my youngest just started school. I’ve been the single mom, divorced mom, married mom, young mom, old mom, career mom, and attends school-at-night mom. I’ve worked in the IT world for almost two decades, but still shy from programming cell phones. I have no free time, but when I do…I write or read or plan our next vacation or holler at whomever to give me some PEACE AND QUIET.
Teenagers…They Are Everything I Ever Dreamed Of, And More!
That went well.
My son just drove off in a huff because I lost my temper. I know, I know, unexpected behavior from someone as calm-natured as me, but I have my limits.
I just don’t understand how I work my tail off to make a decent, love- and encouragement-filled life for my children (starting to sound a teensy bit like my mom right there), and my teenager treats me like the title of my last blog.
His room looks and smells like the livestock show (at least they hose down those steers before they enter the ring). He calls me when I’m in the car, or at work, or anywhere he can find me, asking for money. He leaves a tablespoon of milk in the carton and puts it back in the fridge. He didn’t get me a Christmas present. Every day for at least ten years he’s left a door open, a light on, the water running, the toilet unflushed or his underwear on the floor.
He never walks the dog. He eats everything in the house that will go directly into his gullet, even if it was supposed to be dinner for the whole family. He leaves nose prints on the window. He stuffs his trash in the couch cushions. He misplaces the TV remote. He only picks his clothes up off the floor to wear them (without the ‘sniff test’). He always oversleeps and blames his faulty alarm clock (all three of them).
Tonight was the final straw; My birthday is coming up and he’s forgotten about it (again). He asked to invite 20 of his dearest friends to come over that weekend and do a project for his volunteer group. Where do I sign up to be shouted at (‘WHASSSUP DAWG!!!’), have mercurial teenagers go through whatever food crumbs remain in the cabinets, and then afterwards the pleasure-filled hours of cleaning and fixing. Sounds like a wonderful birthday celebration to me!
So, I blew up (that rattling of your windows was me) and told him how selfish and unappreciative he is, and that he takes me for granted.
I should feel better that I got it out of my system.
I don’t.
Okay, let’s see, how do I put this without totally deflating your hopes? Hmmmm, can’t think of any way but to just come out and say it…. Teenagers don’t appreciate their parents, REALLY appreciate them… until they become parents themselves, especially parents to teenagers. One day not so long ago I called my mom and dad and told them “I’m so sorry!” I didn’t say for what but they just laughed because they already knew. Don’t give up on your son though, he still might surprise you yet.
Comment by Jody — January 19, 2009 @ 10:03 pmHappy Early Birthday!
If it’s any consolation, I ordered you a birthday present last weekend… maybe at the exact same time you were screaming at Jamie. Lean on your girlfriends, Dani. We think you’re amazing! xo
Comment by Janalee — January 22, 2009 @ 9:23 amDani,
Comment by Hillary — January 26, 2009 @ 9:39 pmI have three boys and right now I think they are the most well adjusted, polite, intelligent creatures on Earth, but I’m not so naive that I don’t realize that in a few years they will forget (temporarily) the hard work I’ve put in to make them men. Have faith that it is most likely TEMPORARY and it too shall pass.