Dont be afraid of your children..or Teenagers

Sometimes, once in a blue moon, we really do know better. It hit me last night that I parent the best when I look deep inside of myself and trust me. It is my instinct that seems to help steer me in the right direction. I need to take a deep breath and understand that they may also include conflict and discourse but that's my job. I signed up to do my very best. I have been helping my son get a summer job and it has been incredibly frustrating. I feel like ripping the phone from him and doing it myself. That is not the point. I must mentor and teach him the life skills to do it himself even if it means he loses the job....UGH!!

Outraged Parent-Rule to be a Decent Parent

How do you not pick up your child on time? I do not understand how that can happen. If your child is away or at a party don't you establish a pick up time and be there 10 minutes early? Especially today when we have cell phones we can reach our children/teenagers and work out a plan. It is not the responsibility of the world to get your child home. I have seen teens not have anyone there and not only does it break my heart I worry that they will never get home. As much as I believe that it takes a village to raise a child please be responsible for your own first!

Preparing the Parent for Prom

So this is a big week for our family.  both my step-son and daughter have their proms.  Thankfully, they are not on the same day.  I have decided to print out an agenda and to do list.  Dress, Tuxs, limos, buses, weekend schedule..It is really insane but amazing.  I now realize that the Prom is a ritual that will help my children transition to the next stage of their life--college. I must admit I am so anxious.  I am jealous that my parents couldn't call me during or after the Prom (obviously we did not have cell phones)  I am going to try very, very hard not to call and keep the worrying to a minimual.  Will I succeed?  I would love to hear from other parents on making the Prom fun and safe!