Maybe you’ve heard this one before.
Teen’s alarm goes off. Teen shuts off alarm and goes back to sleep. Mom comes in and yells that said Teen has missed her schoolbus. Again.
Mom picks up Teen after school because Teen has to go to work early. Teen gets into car filled with angst and Emo sulkiness. Mom asked Teen about her new schedule because it is, of course the first week back at school after winter break. Teen responds in monosyllables and then says, “Why do you have to keep interrogating me? It’s just school!”
Mom informs Teen that she has every right to know about Teen’s life, and then Mom angrily turns on the radio and sings loudly to Barry Manilow’s “This One’s For You” (when Mom was a little girl, she used to fantasize about Barry Manilow being her father). When the song was over, Mom searches for other songs. When her favorite Panic! At the Disco song comes on, Teen says “Hey! That’s my song!” and Mom angrily turns off the radio. And then debates whether she is acting childishly.
On the way to work, Teen asks for dinner money. Mom asks why she didn’t get something to eat before leaving for work, and Teen snaps, “I was in a hurry! Gosh! What do you want me to do, starve?” Mom then replies that if Teen is going to speak to her in that tone of voice, Mom really does not care whether she starves. Teen says, “Nice attitude.”
At which point Mom considers pulling over the car and making her walk to work.
I feel like I’m living “Groundhog Day”. Remember my morning anger problems? And don’t forget about the alarm clock blues. I am amazed that my life with Little One can shift from such sorrow to such aggravation.
However, I have learned that I am not the only mean mom in the world. Here’s another Mom who’s doing something similar with her teen’s car. Maybe I should change the car ad we’re running.
P.S. The teen car link is now fixed. Sorry!
Published by angelawd on January 11th, 2008 tagged Mom of Teens
January 12th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
The link for the news article isn’t working - are you referring to the mom who is selling her kid’s car after she found booze in it? The sad thing is that everyone thinks that that is newsworthy. To me, it was a no-brainer.
I like the Barry Manilow touch - nice! I love singing in the car just to annoy my teen.
And you’re better than me. I would have considered stopping the car, making her get out, and then running her over.
January 12th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
You did just fine, Angela. I sure wish I’d let some of the little things slide now. What’s the balance here? I’m not sure I know. I honestly don’t anymore. xo
January 14th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Suburban, I love annoying my teen with music, too. Unfortunately we have similar musical tastes, but I’m pretty sure she’s never heard of Barry Manilow.
I spit coffee out of my mouth with laughter when I read your last line!!! LOL!
Stacey, Thanks. I also have that constant uncertainty over whether this is a big issue or a little thing. There are just so many things to deal with, and sometimes I feel like I’m being horribly critical.
January 16th, 2008 at 12:55 am
I know. You just can’t win. But I have to say that I think your playing Manilow is really what is pushing her buttons. I can almost see her eyes roll.
January 16th, 2008 at 7:44 am
You’re right, Motherwise, I’m sure Manilow annoyed her. Usually I’m generous at sharing the radio and listening to what she wants, but that particular day I was not feeling generous.