I am really frustrated always being the “no” parent. The one who does not let there child stay out all night. The one who does not allow underage drinking and partying. Skipping school and drug use is also not tolerated.
Unfortunately not every parent of every teen feels this way.
Why are you buying cigarettes for your child (yes teens are still children in my eyes and the governments) Why are you allowing other people kids to smoke in your home? If this is not bad enough there are also the ones that do not only allow drinking and hosting parties, but will actually buy alcohol for minors. This really ticks me off. I thought I was done having to call to see if there would be a “responsible” adult present when a large number of kids are getting together.
Living in the country does not give you an excuse to be an irresponsible parent. Kids are not legally allowed to drink anywhere in Canada until 18 for some provinces and 19 for most. There is a reason for this. They can not handle life let a lone handle alcohol. I am tired of turning on the news and hearing about teens and drinking and driving fatalities.
I do not want to judge parents. I do not want to be the one to tell you that leaving your teenage children home alone for a long weekend is inviting a party. I wish that was the only invite. You may think your kid is safe drinking at your home, supervised by you in your yard. But what about all the others that drove there. The ones whos parents think they are just hanging out?
So because of my responsibility to my children, my family and my community. My teen will not be attending your party. My child will not be hanging out smoking at your house. And if the kids want to hang out, I will be asking questions. I will be getting addresses and I will be meeting your child and if needed I will meet you.
One day, I hope my teen realizes me being the parent who says “no” and asks questions, shows I am the parent who cares. I am the parent who has made time for my kids lives. I am the parent who respects boundaries. But mainly, I am the parent.
My job as a parent would be a lot easier if you did yours
June 9, 2011 by 13 Comments
Good for you! I agree with everything you have said. I don't have teens yet, but I've seen what others that do allow/ or not allow and it's crazy.Good Luck- your kids will thank you.
totally agree too. My son is 6 and his little friend at school invited him over to watch a movie. How cute I thought. Then I found out the movie some horror thing called Piranha!! He's 6! He still thinks there might be a monster under his bed from watching Monster Inc. and I am going to let him watch a killer fish movie? Are you nuts? I'd probably never get him in the tub again, let alone another body of water. Truly, what the heck is wrong with some parents? Are you their friend, or their parent? Just the other night I saw 3 beautiful little girls (ages likely 4 to 7) running around Alone in the field across from my house — in their bikini's, and it was 8:45 pm!!! Seriously? Are you trying to have some sick pervert take them?
I agree wholeheartedly 🙂 Excellent post 🙂
I am so going to be with you when my children get to be that age. In fact, in some ways, I’m already there, it’s just not about staying out all night, drugs and alcohol.
Empathy girl! Empathy!
BTW it's b/c it's harder to do it your way 😉
I totally get this, and it sucks. My kids are nowhere near the teen years, but even now I wan to shake other parents sometimes and say "Why the heck are you letting your four year old do that?! And could you please not do let them do it in front of my kid?"
Glad I'm not the only one that feels the same way as you, my 2 oldest daughters are 29 and 23 and they thank me today for being so strict! Great job Mom!Another of my peeves is parents not watching their children, I cannot tell you how many times we have been at the park, camping or at the beach and these little ones run around and the parents are too busy socialising and even drinking! I have actually saved the life of a toddler because no one was watching him (but me) and I caught him as he was wandering into the lake! Or the ones that talk about being a good parent but their actions resonnate something else, show your children that you are a good parent, I don't need to hear about it! Sorry but this hit very close to home.
Love this post. Thanks for putting it out there. Now that I have 2 of my own I totally get it and don't know why other people have kids if they aren't going to take care of them the way they need to be cared for.
Oh you captured all of my biggest fears as a parent. You can only control what YOU do, not what others do.As parents it is our job to PARENT not be friends with our kids, and sometimes they will not like.And don't even get me started on smoking….
Man I am so glad my kids are 19, 21, 21, and 23 and past all of this now. It WAS hard to be the parent who always said NO!
ABSOLUTELY!!!
Even though I don't have kids of my own, I totally agree with you. It was tough being the kid of parents that always said no, but I feel like I am better adult for it now!
Preach on! I am happy to be "that" parent and will continue to be as my girls get older. I have never understood this mentality from other parents. I'm sure my girls will think I'm ruining their life, but hopefully eventually, they'll realize I'm just doing it to keep them safe.