As I was getting my kids ready to venture into the great northeastern November outdoors this morning, and dreading our mere 500 yard trek to the bus stop, I said the phrase no “good parent” ever says. 
       No it wasn’t “not the mini skirt” or “not the jeans with holes in them” or even “where is your winter coat?”  Well, ok I did say all of those things but at least those statements communicated some small degree of intelligence.  No the phrase which sent their eyes rolling, the phrase that provided fuel for recess gossip and spread to all other homes faster than the flu was “Because I said so.”  
       After hearing that, delivered with my accompanying Archie Bunker glare, the children gave one another their “no point of having a battle of wits with an unarmed person” look and painstakingly donned their winter coats – which I am certain they also removed abruptly once out of my sight. 
     As I added cream to my post wardrobe trauma coffee, I attempted to comfort myself with the knowledge that I don’t say those "bad parent" things often. My brain, however, refused to be on my side and reminded me instead of other half baked hollers I'd delivered; “Don’t make me turn this car around!” and “Don’t make the same mistakes I did…” 
     Just as I was preparing a defense for my self-inflicted offense, I suddenly felt better. By thinking of my parents saying those same phrases, I realized that as a mom now myself, I understood they loved me; they cared about me and wanted me safe. I also knew one day my children will likely understand the same.

Mama Kim http//www.lifeskillsreportcard.com

 


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