...was the day I realized that I had a 14 year old son that I had to figure out how to make obey me.
Of course, I had been making him mind me since he was a toddler...but on this particular day he needed discipline that I felt was out of my realm of know how. He was as big as me. He had gotten in trouble on the school bus. I didn't know what to do to ensure he wouldn't do the same thing again.
It was a flashbulb moment of life. I remembered being 14 myself as if it had only been the week before. How could I get a 14 year old to do as I said? So, I did the only thing I could think of doing. I fervently asked God for help and wisdom. And shortly thereafter I had an idea that was totally not me.
After telling the bus driver what I planned on doing, I told my son that if he couldn't ride the bus and police his own behavior his mommy would have to ride the bus with him in order to make him behave. I was completely prepared to do it, but oh how I hoped I wouldn't be forced to follow up. I would have been just as humiliated as my son. But, I wasn't about to let him know that.
Well, we had other clashes through the years, but never one regarding proper behavior on the school bus. A few years ago I mentioned the incident. He said he was going to run away if I'd ever tried riding the bus with him...I retorted that I'd noticed he'd never gotten in trouble on the bus again.
He has children that will be 14 before too many more years pass. I hope he'll remember to pray when he doesn't know what to do with them.
That was very clever on your part! I am sure if a similar occaion presents itself, he will be happy to use a little bit of his mom's wisdom. Hope you are having a nice weekend.
ReplyDeletedenise
that is truly inspirational! my daughter is turning 9 next week, and I will so be ready to pray for a little divine intervention!
ReplyDeleteOh that was brilliant! ROTFLOL!!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous! I love those flashes of insight God gives when you ask nicely...
ReplyDeletei keep reminding my sister every time she has a problem with the 15 and 12 year old.
ReplyDeletegreat advice for all parents.
How funny! Recently a coworker shared a similiar story with her son from years ago except his behavior was at school. He didn't obey so off she went in her robe and cup of coffee (teachers lounge gave her refills) through the whole day! It was the only day she had to follow through. Ha ha. She then followed the story with one about her daughter and not putting her shoes away so Mom took 1 shoe of every pair she owned into a garbage bag and the daughter had to do good behavior to get the twin shoe back. All through prayer too!!
ReplyDeleteWish I had thought of this one. Ha.. I didn't feel grown up until my Mother died about 18 years ago. All of a sudden I was "the Mother". No longer a daughter. An Orphan.
ReplyDeleteHeeHee! Love this stevie and I think this would be the perfect punishment for bad schoolbus behavior rather than making the parents drive the kids to school...
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the story very much. Children do grow up fast.
ReplyDeleteJudy
I don't know if I would have come up with that. I was pretty lucky with my boys. Most of the time, they didn't put me to the test...I do admit to yelling a bit because, the two youngest, at 6'4" caused me a bit of neck strain, having to look heavenward so much to raise my voice to them.
ReplyDeleteso funny! good for you and your creative approach to chidl (teen!!) rearing!
ReplyDeleteStevie, truly an inspired response. Though you didn't actually say I guess the threat was successful? - Dave
ReplyDeleteWhat a good lesson you taught him and I suspect he will be utilizing it if he needs to .. you did not raise any fools.
ReplyDelete