Larry Gude
Strung Out
I had a big fight with the 17 year old last month about responsibility, right after graduation. 'You can go out and hang with the gang as long as you get up in the AM as you agreed to help me tomorrow at the greenhouses.'
So, next AM, "I don't feel good, I'm tired, I'm not working." I blew gasket as it was the first time she told me 'No, you can't make me'.
So, what happens last night? The same thing all over again. She got to go out, go to a party and then spend the night at girlfriends house, which she called me from before midnight to tell me she was there, as agreed. This AM at 6:30, a call "I'm tired, I don't wanna come in for a few hours. I'll work later."
I 1/2 blew a gasket. We argued for a few minutes, me hammering commitment to responsibilities, maturity being doing what you gotta dso even when you don't want to, she saying she shouldn't have to because she'd work later, what's the big deal, same stuff. So, I don't have time to argue besides pointing out that we'd just had this...conversation...a few weeks ago. I said 'be here by 7, good bye.'
As I sit here, my stomach churning and I'm tying to soothe myself with the college money I'm now not going to be spending while telling myself what a rotten parent I am for raising a good who, at this age, is still learning responsibility and commitment...she rolls in. Says good morning and off to the greenhouse to work.
That made me happy. That made me real happy.
So, next AM, "I don't feel good, I'm tired, I'm not working." I blew gasket as it was the first time she told me 'No, you can't make me'.
So, what happens last night? The same thing all over again. She got to go out, go to a party and then spend the night at girlfriends house, which she called me from before midnight to tell me she was there, as agreed. This AM at 6:30, a call "I'm tired, I don't wanna come in for a few hours. I'll work later."
I 1/2 blew a gasket. We argued for a few minutes, me hammering commitment to responsibilities, maturity being doing what you gotta dso even when you don't want to, she saying she shouldn't have to because she'd work later, what's the big deal, same stuff. So, I don't have time to argue besides pointing out that we'd just had this...conversation...a few weeks ago. I said 'be here by 7, good bye.'
As I sit here, my stomach churning and I'm tying to soothe myself with the college money I'm now not going to be spending while telling myself what a rotten parent I am for raising a good who, at this age, is still learning responsibility and commitment...she rolls in. Says good morning and off to the greenhouse to work.
That made me happy. That made me real happy.
They never stop pushing the boundaries. Stand firm. 
And congrats to you guys for raising a kid smart enough to read Daddy's tone of voice.
