Tonight...I get the "Mean Mom Award"

[clh2]

I wouldn't write her a note to explain why homework is going to be late...

The background: DD, 11, had a student council orientation that went until 9:30 on Friday. We got home at 10pm. Yes, I realize this was a long day. The student council thing started when school ended at 3:04.

On Saturday, we left for a Girl Scout function at 11:30am, and returned about 4:30. Not a rough day, although she was still pretty wiped from Friday.

Today, she gets up about 8:30, proceeds to do games on the computer, check e-mail etc. Until 10, when I made her take a shower before leaving for church. We returned from church about 12:30, ate quickly, and went to a pet expo, got home at 3:30.

At dinner, (about 5:30) we were discussing her upcoming week. I casually reminded her that this is going to be a long week. She is in the play at school, and play practice goes this week until 5:30 every night. I suggested that if she had any homework this weekend that she could do early, she should. It's going to be a long week. She said "no", the only homework due later in the week is spelling-related projects and they were done already.

Tonight, about 7:00, she calls DH up to her room. She is trying to work on the voice recognition thing on her computer. "Just because." DH tries to get it to work, while DD whines for about 45 minutes. (Whining about "I need a trumpet", "I need trumpet lessons", "the computer in my room sucks, I need a new one"). DH finally gives up. Whatever he is trying to fix - not working. DD goes back to typing. She calls DH again about 8:00. Apparently the wireless network on the computer in her room is not working. NOW it comes out that she is actually working on homework. The tears start to flow...it's all DH's fault because she has a lousy computer blah,blah blah. The homework is due TOMORROW. She asked for a note to explain the homework would be late.



She ought to know me better than that. The real reason her homework is going to be late is becuase she procrastinated. Had she started working on it earlier in the day...this wouldn't have been a problem. And, we've always said that if she has homework to do, that she can use the newer computers.

She has her alarm set to get up at 5:00 tomorrow morning - her choice. I have made it clear...hopefully really clear...that she needs to get ready for school at 6:15 - no if ands or butts.

Yep, I get the mean mom award tonight. Hopefully, things will be better tomorrow...

 

[Kermit]

No, you get the good mom award. I can't tell you how many adults I've met who haven't learned yet that you should do important things when you get the chance without procastinating. She won't like it now, but she will later.

 

[luvmydogs]

Learning time management skills and taking accountability and responsibility for one's actions are lessons that will serve her well in life.

You did the right thing, Mom.

 

[nativetxn]

You did the right thing. I remember those days. It's hard to stand firm but it is the best thing to do.

Katholyn

 

[GEM]

You get a GOOD mom award! I work with college age kids, and you wouldn't believe how many of them have never learned to manage their time or take responsibility for themselves - all because mom or dad has always come to their rescue and made excuses for them! Yes, I've actually had parents call me to explain why their college student won't be turning a paper in or ask me if I could go easier on them, because they've been really busy this semester!



As someone who might be one of her future college instructors, I'd like to say thank you!

 

[ksjayhawks]

You get the good mom award from me too.

Better to learn the hard lessons now, rather than later.

Hopefully she won't do this again.