Home > Charm Chicks > Archives > 2009 > November > 04 > Entry
Is there an anti-aging cream for this?
By JENNY WHITE
I’m not sure exactly when the transformation began.
Maybe it was slowly happening, and I just wasn’t paying attention.
But my 10-year-old has suddenly developed the personality of a 15-year-old.
I’m talking everything.
Eye rolling, the “You’re an idiot” grimace, the heavy sighs and heavy feet walking out of room, shoulder-shrugging, “whatever”/backtalking/one-word answers and the why-am-I-tortured-having-to-bear-these-horrible-parents-I-have attitude.
EVERYTHING (except for the S-E-X hormone stuff, THANK GOD).
With his Dad, the problem doesn’t seem to be quite as pronounced. It’s still there, but Ken…well….let’s just say….he’s not really into the “let’s talk this out” method. He’s much more into the “Hey, don’t be an idiot, do what I say or you’ll be sorry,” mindset.
And, now, I’d like to say, quite frankly, in a very humble voice, his way may have been right.
Thomas just doesn’t have any fear of me.
He’s grown an independent streak a mile wide and I have no leverage anymore.
The kids in Africa speech doesn’t work (did it ever?).
The threats of taking away playstation, bike, TV are having no effect whatsoever.
It used to really upset him if I was mad at him. Since he is in the realm of “parents are retarded and I’m never wrong,” me being mad at him has suddenly turned into a personal problem I suffer from, not really anything he needs to worry about.
Here’s an example of what I’m facing:
Me: Why are you standing there doing nothing? You’ve got five minutes to get dressed, put on shoes and brush your teeth!
Thomas: (Loooongggg Siiiighhhh as he slowly makes his way to his dresser) Mom, I can tell time.
Me: Oh. Really. Are you going to be able to tell the time this afternoon? When you’re in your room all afternoon, with no friends over? Because you made yourself and me late this morning?
Thomas: (Looks at me with what appears to be pity. PITY, PEOPLE!) Mom….just….whatever…I’m going to be ready on time (sadly shakes his head, seemingly compassionate for the poor retarded person he’s being forced to converse with).
AAAARRRRGGGGG!
If I had talked to my parents like that, I don’t think I’d be alive today.
Or, if he does properly understand he’s in trouble, we have to deal with the absolute other side of the spectrum:
Thomas: You and Dad just don’t even want me around. You just wish I wasn’t here. I’m leaving. I’m going to Grandma’s! You’re never going to see me again!
Me: Thomas, it’s just a spelling word. Isn’t the point of me going over your homework with you to make sure you’re getting it? If I see you’re spelling a word wrong, it’s my job to help you learn the right way. For God’s sake you’re just one letter off….
Thomas: You LIKE it when I get it wrong. You’re just waiting for me to get something wrong so you can make me spell it 5 times AGGGAAAIIINNNN (falls in a heap on the bed).
How do I even begin to answer that?
Usually by just leaving the room and taking some deep breaths.
And going back in.
And starting over.
Because, if I remember right, that’s what its all about. No matter how bad you are, your parents keep coming back.
At least until they’re 20-something (the kids, not the parents).
Who said love was easy?
And I am all about loving that obnoxious, smart, sweet, funny, goofball, freckle-face-bottomless-pit-of-a-stunt-man-kid I call mine.
I’d like to end this blog entry by sending my Mom and Dad a BIG THANK YOU!!!!
And can Thomas stay with you this weekend?
How did we go from this…….
to this, so fast…..
Comments
By Nana
November 5, 2009 7:41 PM | Link to this
You are very welcome. See why I was a bit crazy from the time you were 11 until 21? It was all worth it. You turned out pretty good.
By Beth Taylor
November 6, 2009 7:11 AM | Link to this
I am going through the same exact thing, and it’s contagious from the top down in my case. I realized I was getting a sarcastic, eyes rolling, “yeah mom” or “ok mom” any time I talked to them; no respect. So I too am adopting some of my husbands quick and short answers instead of trying to reason with them. Thanks Jenny, good to know I’m not the only one that feels like the “butt of the joke” in the house.
By Jenny White/Charm Blogger
November 6, 2009 10:04 AM | Link to this
Same here, Beth. Good to know SOMEBODY out there knows what I’m talking about and feels as frustrated as me!
By Julia Lowe
November 9, 2009 2:57 PM | Link to this
I had nothing to do with how she behaved, Nana!