Yes, that’s how I feel today. Alison missed gym to go to a meeting about the volunteer work she wanted to do. She is required to do 20 hours of volunteer work; that is a worthwhile concept in theory, but in practice, students do all sorts of things. (to benefit themselves mainly and not necessarily the community). So, Alison and a friend I don’t care for decided that they wanted to participate in our local Haunted Hayride. Tonight was the last meeting for this and I drove the two girls over to a local park–the other girl’s parents are much too BUSY to be able to do that, just like they always needed me to pick her up from Girl Scouts. (my claws are showing–HISSSSS!) Anyway, I sat there in this park, cold, tired and wanting to be anywhere else, while the director talked about the hours–next Tuesday dress rehearsal, next Thursday from 5:30 until 12- 1 am, next Friday and Saturday until even later. I heard her discuss that there were no bathrooms nearby, don’t walk on your own because kids come to this park to party; by the way, parents aren’t allowed in to the park–you will just have to wait at the local elementary school in the dark for your child. ( until whenever that happens to be) Alison REALLY wanted to do this but I finally grabbed her friend and her, spirited them away to the car and tried to explain logically why I thought this was such a terrible idea. Well, let’s just say, it didn’t go over very well. She cried all the way home and the “friend” was very snotty to me too! Thank goodness, a school friend who is active in the arts and the community was at this meeting, saw my predicament and needs help at a variety of arts activities at our local Farmers’ Market and at a Canine Fest. (Alison loves dogs!)Alison grudgingly said that she would do this inferior, but actually much more worthwhile volunteer work, but is certainly giving me the cold shoulder over the whole situation. I miss my loving girl–hope I will get her back!
Comments
8 responses to “The Most Hated Mom”
-
Hey, if your Alison is between the ages of 13 & 17, she won’t be your “sweet girl” again until she’s at least 21. I didn’t become my mom’s “sweet girl” again until I was, uh, 25.
Hugs
L. -
Sometimes it’s hard to be the parent and have the good judgement that they can’t understand. I admire you for going with your gut feeling on this. Not the place I would want my daughter, and I’m sure it was tough to take that stand.
-
I’m not looking forward AT ALL to making those types of decisions with Sydney. It takes everything I’ve got right now to not cave when the bedtime tears come out. When I was a kid I thought motherhood would be so easy. Little did I know! But good on you for doing the right thing despite the pressure. She’ll forgive you in no time.
-
You did good, don’t feel bad about your decision, remember we’re their parents not their peers. No bathrooms, not safe to walk around by yourself, some kids go there to “party”, and parents aren’t allowed in the park. Now mind you I’m no prude, not by a long shot, but this sounds like trouble just waiting to happen. You say this is a local haunted hayride, I hope its not a community sponsored event! Alison will get over it and will have found memories of it when she has to be the parent with her own children some day.
-
I totally don’t blame you one bit! She’ll get over it.
-
Common sense ain’t so common, but Margaret has it and isn’t afraid to use it! Inspiring mothering! I feel your pain…by the way, my older girls would applaud you now, but a few years back they would have empathized more with your daughter. What a difference a few years makes! Lastly, you are cuter than Meg Ryan and not at all witchlike. ;~)
-
Ouch! But you were oh-so-right! What an idiotic set-up. In this day and age, what were the organizers thinking?
Yup, it’s hard when our kids stop adoring us…. -
Oh boy … parenting – what a job! You people who do take it on have so much courage! Please don’t beat yourself up for doing the right thing for your daughter. She’ll probably prefer the alternate in any case. And you will be happier that she is safer. Have a beer!
Leave a Reply