Momhood

Motherhood, insanity and everyday life.

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

"God, Mom! You Make Every Morning Suck!"

You know, usually a statement like this (uttered by my 13-year old this morning) would send me over the edge or into the liquor cabinet. However, today, in the aftermath of the greatest natural disaster to ever hit the United States, Katrina, I'm actually feeling rather fortunate. My house is dry. I have a roof. We have food. Everyone is healthy. And although gas is expensive, I'll still be able to fill up, although probably less often.

See, this statement was made as a result of a half-discussion about the rolling of the waistband of the uniform skirt. If you have teenage girls in parochial schools, you know this is a huge issue. For some reason, the skirt is never short enough to satisfy the child. As a result, it's always too short for the mom. I could put my foot down and demand that it be unrolled, but as a grizzled veteran of parenting, I know that it will be rolled again once she's in the doors of the school. Yes, folks. I'm pickin' my battles.

Here's what I hope happens: I'm hoping that she gets busted by the uniform police the minute that she gets in her class. Perhaps it will result in a detention. I will not say anything and just hope that she feels that the consequences are not worth the action. But, it's unlikely that she'll get busted. Because although she's a skirt roller, she's not a trouble-maker.

Here's what will happen: Once again, we will have a long talk about respect. We have this talk about once a month. Sometimes it sinks in, but often a refresher course is needed. In any case, my point will be made, albeit a bit delayed.

As the song says: "Nice work if you can get it." And I say: "I've got it bad, baby. I've got it bad."

4 Comments:

At 6:21 AM , Blogger dena said...

One of my best friends went to Catholic School in Long Island. A school filled with nuns that hated short skirts - in the 80's. She took all her skirts and had them hemmed as short as possible when she was about 16. This meant the nuns couldn't force her to unroll them. Kids! They never change.

visiting from michele's

 
At 11:52 AM , Blogger Noone said...

Loved this post...

I have dealt with the same issue with my teen daughter. Of course, it is not just the rolled skirts. We have battled about plunging necklines and low-rise jeans as well.

Humor has helped - I just say "I am seeing more than I need to see!" or just "Information overload!!" One time, she actually came back to change into something more appropriate!

Of course, pushing the envelope is not limited to attire. Check out my post about Guns and Barbies - http://myturn2.blogspot.com/2005/08/of-barbies-and-guns.html

 
At 6:35 AM , Blogger yellojkt said...

michele sent me.

It just goes to show that teenagers will always push limits.

 
At 7:51 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Teenagers. Sigh.
LJ

 

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