Granted I've parented for 2,740 days already (yes that's really the amount of days, who's counting), but this was real parenting I had to do. I had to say NO to something my two older girls really wanted to do and something I would have loved them to do. Their cheerleading teams were having a team party. The challenge, the party was from 7:30pm to 11:00pm. Rand and I talked about it and neither of us were comfortable with them being there so late and because of a prior commitment neither of us could go and be wall flowers. I hoped the girls would just somehow forget about the party and never bring it up, ya right!
I overheard them talking about how much fun the party was going to be and decided I had to break the news... I said a little something like this:
"Girls, I know you are very excited about your team party. Unfortunately, dad and I talked about it and we've decided it's best you not go. We don't feel it's safe and we feel that it's a little late for girls your age."
Suprisingly there was not any grumbling or pretty pleeeeeease's that I would have expected to follow. Later that same night while we were laying down for bed I asked them how they felt about not being able to go to the party, Mekena said "Mom I understand, thank you for wanting to keep us safe". And then Kirra followed with "at first I wanted to cry and then I realized it was ok". REALLY??? Thanking me for not letting them go to the party... wasn't quite what I expected. How thankful I was that they understood.
I'm thinking this may not be so easy once we approach teenage years, but I'll take the ease for now and be hopeful! I feel with all of my heart that my job is to nurture and stay in tune to what Rand and I feel is right and wrong for our children, it's tough out there and I'd rather them miss out on some of the "fun" than for them to be in a bad situation where we don't get a second chance to make the right choice. I probably won't always be the cool mom, but that's ok.
your kids are definitely wise beyond there years! hugs!
ReplyDeleteSeriously these children are so adorable and sooo smart!! I agree, it may not be as easy when they are teens, I'm sure mom could agree with that one! I love this, and I love that you counted the days you have been parenting lol, your hilarious!
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