Remember all those times, when you were a teenager, that you bold faced lied to your parents. Even the most angelic person has at one time or another lied to their parents. Well what ya don't think about when you are a lying sneaking teenager is that one day you may have one of your own... and they will lie straight to your face making you feel as if they think you are as dumb as a fence post and that you were born yesterday and that you were always this precise age.
One of the hardest lessons to learn as a parent though is to not take it personal when they lie to you. They can't help it. And they don't really mean it in a harmful way.
We are fighting the battle of teenage smoking. I myself never had an inkling to try the nasty habit but both boys in my home (Jimmie and Austin) started smoking at a young age (Jimmie successfully kicked the habit 5 or 6 years ago). To make matters a little more challenging, Austin's girlfriend smokes. So I know, being around it he has certainly been tempted and is once again dabbling in the nasty habit. This evening he asked to go for a run in the neighbors field... sure! Go for it! The weather is awesome. So I'm sitting on the front porch watching him walk down our driveway. It's 60 some degrees outside but he is wearing his baggiest of pants - not great to run in - a hoody, a tshirt and his camera bag around his neck. umm... not really running attire. When he comes back, I'm in the kitchen and he is reeking of freshily sprayed cologne. I ask to see his camera as he is already headed upstairs so he says just a sec I'll be right back. I said ok come back down after you put your cigarettes away... .he says, I don't have any cigarettes.... I say I'm not stupid ya know... mumble mumble mumble
now granted, I am very naive... I want to believe everyone is always telling me the truth but come on! I'm getting better at seeing through his lies though! And as I said before I'm trying real hard to not take it personal.. but it's hard cuz it hurts my feelings and makes me angry! And I know that smoking is a hard habit to kick too... but he didn't smoke when he came to us... he had quit for over a year... but now, when he's with friends who smoke... well I know it's a normal teenage thing... but geez.... it's just hard to parent a teen... argh... thanks for listening to me rant... I'm giving my kid the silent treatment because I'm just tired of having that talk with him... I know we'll eventually have it out at some point this evening though... oh joy!
thank goodness this is really the only issue we have with him. Austin really is a great kid and he's got so much going for him... he just needs direction and a kick in the butt every once in a while! lol I do love him but argh! oh well.. I know I'm blogging to parents so I know you all can relate... just wait til your angels become teenagers though! lol there's something for you to lose sleep about tonight! lol
2 weeks ago
4 comments:
ok... it's hard to give someone the silent treatment when they went to bed right after dinner... lol... and he looks so sweet and innocent when he's sleeping too... dang it!
LOL, I think lying is not just limited to teenagers...6 year olds do it, too... But there is a difference in attitude with teenagers...ugh...good luck with that, and write me a how-to book {pray for me NOW} :) hehe
I agree with Mandy...thanks for chartering these waters before us. Tell us what to do right so we don't screw it up! K? LOL
Yeah...I just get more mad when my kids lie to me....and at this age it is pretty easy to know whey they are lying because we all know that pink elephants don't live in their rooms. LOL I just hope that this doesn't lead to other things for Austin...that is my biggest concern. The smoking itself doesn't worry me as much as what it could lead to given his past.
But honestly....I think you guys are doing the right things - mostly that kid needs boundaries and love....both of which you guys are giving him!!!!
Love ya!!!
Arg....I smoked some in high school cuz of the people I was with smoked too. It's so nasty. I didn't stick to it long, but I had friends that did all thru high school. Peer pressure is a horrible thing at that age.
So, I'm waiting for this teen book you're going to write. I'll be the first to buy it!
Post a Comment