Joshua spent the night at a friend's house last weekend, and when I got up the next morning I saw that Joshua was at home, in his own bed. When I found out why, I was thrilled.
Seems Joshua's friend, M, had been acting out and being rude to his mom. This is the same M who thought I was being too strict with Joshua when I grounded him for getting home 10 minutes late.
Apparently, M's behavior was over-the-top unacceptable, and the best way his mom could think of to punish him for acting the way he did was to end the sleep-over.
Immediately.
So she brought Joshua home in the middle of the night.
When we spoke about it the next day, M's mom apologized for bringing Joshua home at such a late hour. But I assured her it was a-okay with me. I told her Joshua gets upset with us for holding him accountable, that he thinks we're too strict. And I said I thought it was great that he could see another parent drawing a hard line.
The boys are testing our limits, and I was so glad she demonstrated clearly to M that he had crossed the line. I don't want to ruin their fun and make their lives miserable. But I do want them to understand and respect the limits and boundaries we parents set.
It was so refreshing to encounter another 'mean' parent. *wink*
5 comments:
Hmmm, my parents were definitely 'mean'.....and I am so glad they were. We knew where the boundaries were and what the consequences were if we crossed them. Mean? No. Wise parents? Yes.
Looking back, I don't think my parents were "mean" enough! But I sure thought they were mean at the time. :o)
I was a "mean" parent last night. Good to know I'm not the only one! :o)
YEA for mean parents!
Oh Karen, my children are only little, but sometimes I feel like I'm too strict with them. As though I'm completely unreasonable in my expectations, amid a sea of 'best friend' parents. Thank you for sharing this today - we may be at different points in the journey, but the challenges remain the same! God Bless, Sarah
Leah - I like the wisdom thing. My parents weren't 'stupid' (and I was annoyed at the time) but now I wish they'd been wiser...
I hope my kids will share your perspective one day!
Jodi - I'm right there with you. Wishing now that my parents had asked more - and trusted less. Funny how our view changes with our role. *wink*
Gianna - Thanks for the cheers! :o)
Sarah - Different places, but the same challenges. Indeed.
Comparison with other parents - yuck!
Ha ha, I just thought, "What if we always came back with something like, 'But my best friend's children always obey her the first time she asks them to do something!'?"
I mean, besides being a lie, it would be a funny experiment. *wink*
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