Esther-Faith has taken to telling us how she plans to raise her kids. Especially when she is dissatisfied with a decision we've made in regards to parenting her.
For example...
"When I'm a grown up, I'm going to let my kids sleep outside every single night."
Or...
"When I have kids I'm going to let them eat only candy, twizzlers, marshmallows, and gummy snacks."
And...
"When I have kids, I'm never going to make them take a shower."
Or...
"When I have kids I'm going to build them a tree house to live in by themselves."
And...
"I'm never going to make my daughter brush her hair."
And my favorite...
"When I have kids, they're all going to get their own iPads."
She says other stuff, too. As we've increased the chatter around here about getting more siblings, tonight she announced that she would really like a sister from China.
Insisted on it.
Because if brothers are going to come in groups, then she wants a baby sister to balance things out.
Thankyouverymuch.
And she is presently putting headbands and makeup on her older brother. And hanging pony tail holders off his ears like earrings. He's getting kind of annoyed as he is trying to memorize the course catalog for high school next year. When he tells her that he is planning to take it all off in one minute, she declares "that's how they do it in Spain."
Good grief.
And the boys are hysterical, too. Isaac has invested every cent that he's been saving over the last few months on "accessories" for his robot. He has purchased an additional "design" book. And he spends hours on the laptop writing programs.
He has all but abandoned his never-ending quest to play video games.
Isaiah is just moody. For the love of all things green and blue on this planet, I cannot wait for adolescence to be over. He told me the other day that all of the problems in his life are directly related to or caused by me. Even his zits. That I am the most awful mother in the history of mothers and HOW DARE I expect him to do a couple of basic chores. And shower. That none of his friends' moms make them shower. And why can't he just do whatever he wants whenever he wants with whomever he wants without telling us where he will be?
I don't know. Maybe I am a bad mom.
Isaiah sat Tim and me down a couple of weeks ago and shared with us the "three pillars of bad parenting" that we possess.
Brace yourself.
1. We have high expectations for him.
2. We don't let him hang out with his friends until his chores are completed.
3. We don't let him have a cell phone with a data plan.
Sometimes, it's just hard not to laugh.
After that conversation, Tim googled "pillars of bad parenting" to see if there was a book about it. He didn't find anything. So, he said he was going to suggest to Isaiah that he should write a book about it.
I think he is.
I hope Isaiah lets Tim write the forward to that book. It would be hysterical.
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I sometimes have to remind Eamon that not all of daddy's decisions are going to be popular. And being willing to make unpopular decisions is part of being daddy.
As far as Isaac not taking a shower, when Eamon asks why he has to take a shower I have to remind him that chicks don't dig the stinky :)
And yes. . .you guys are *horrible* parents. You have the nerve to actually love your kids and have the gall to insist they do things that are good/healthy for them.
Our lesson in Youth Group last night was all about making the right decision, even when the alternative was more appealing... it was a great lesson, and I wish Isaiah could have heard some of the discussion in our small group... I work with the Juniors and Seniors, and some of them are really intuative. They still see things sometimes from a very teenager perspective, but I felt very proud of them for their insight into reality as an adult. Have Isaiah read Matthew 4:1-11 and ask him if he thinks Jesus would have done things differently in today's society, or if He would have still followed scripture when being tempted by the pretty things in life, the easier road. I'm pretty sure if we follow the Will of God, all that other junk won't be as appealing to us. Being appreciative of the things we have is so important... the fact that he even has a cell phone, or that he can see his friends after his chores are done, or that you love him enough to believe that he can achieve those "high expectations"... He is lucky, and blessed, and I pray he learns to appreciate what you are trying to teach him by setting up these boundaries. Oh the joy of being 15... Love You All!!!
Bad parents rule, followed closely by bad grandparents. (My newest title from my grandchildren). You get used to it, no not really. But the book, Love is Tough is right. I wonder what your three pillars of bad parenting would have been to your Dad and I???!!!??
Love you, MOM :)
It's no secret(to me at least) that Isaiah realized the two of you are "mean" parents before he even moved in. But now, to learn that you are actually PILLARS of bad parenting!!!!! Well, all I can say is I'm truely honored to know you.
Ha ha, well, if you are pillars of bad parents, I hope to be one terrible parent too!! Gotta love the things kids say!
Though I do like the sister from China idea ;)
Mighty democratic parenting -allowing so much discussion! ;)
My current fav phrase right now (to 19 yr old): I love you too much to let you raise yourself.
great post, karin! i think "adventures in child rearing" might be my favorite series. it's a toss-up between that and "overheard at the Hennhouse". congrats on your newest designation as Pillars. you must be very proud.
Now to turn his skills of persuasion and presentation to the outside world. At least he's creative in his ways of describing it.
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