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Family Matters:  The Toothpaste Limit  |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 14 2012 : 09:34:01 AM
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Hi girls!
Sometimes I feel like toothpaste being rolled up tightly and squeezed really hard while the cap's still screwed on. Eghads.
SO long ago, when I was a wee little girl, when my Mom could feel the fire welling up inside, she would count to 10 to calm herself down before speaking. It's a practice I have had much success with over the years... until now... until now that my son has hit those marvelous mouthy, know-it-all teen years, that is. Don't get me wrong, he truly is a great kid with so many excellent qualities of which I am both fond and proud! Let's just say, however, that today my Dad's longing for payback has finally arrived. ;)
I count to ten, I walk away, sometimes I even just head outside for a long walk in the fresh air. I pray, I try to remember what I was like when I was a kid, and I try to be understanding and uber patient. Somedays, however, that just doesn't cut it. Today, I'm doing everything in my power to stop myself from squeezing his mouthy little lips off. LOL! Doesn't that sound just awfuL?! Don't worry - I'd NEVER do that... That's why he feels so free to "speak his mind," as he does. I just wish he'd do it with a lot more tact, respect and in more of a tone of love. >sigh<
I really need to stay calm, cool and collected, and remember where he is in life vs. where I am and where I hope - where I am sure - he will one day be. Patience, patience, patience... Okay... I can do this. Thanks for letting me vent!
So, what do YOU all do when you're faced with total aggravation and a mouthy teenager? How do you keep the calm when your toothpaste limit has reached full pressure capacity?
<Maybe I'll take my own advice to Annika - When she was talking about having to suffer through the agony of knit-picking, crabby in-laws, I suggested she bring yummy food with her on her visit to keep their mouths full and quiet. LOL! Time to take out those Valentine's cupcakes I was saving for dessert tonight, huh, Annika?! ;)>
Happy, happy day!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
www.papercraftingwithnini.myctmh.com
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Edited by - Ninibini on Feb 14 2012 09:38:00 AM |
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nut4fabric
True Blue Farmgirl
885 Posts
Kathy
Morgan Hill
CA
USA
885 Posts |
Posted - Feb 14 2012 : 10:25:17 AM
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Nini I remember those days with my two, not fun. I used to tell them if they wanted to act like bratty two years olds I would treat them as such, early bedtime, no choices in anything etc, if they wanted to be treated respectfully and politely they must do the same. I also used to make them do pushups (usually 10 or 20) when they were especailly mouthy, to old at that point to time out, if they refused then they would have to just lie on the floor until they did them. I developed what my son refered to as "the push up look", so he knew when he was getting out of line. These days pass and soon they are adults and living their own lives so try to be patient and enjoy them while they are home.
Kathy |
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laurentany
True Blue Farmgirl
3259 Posts
Laurie
Patchogue
NY
USA
3259 Posts |
Posted - Feb 14 2012 : 8:37:51 PM
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Nini- I'm sorry but you had me laughing. I TOO have a 13 year old son- need I say more? (how old is your son?)
I feel your pain sister! I am not always as good as you, counting to 10 etc. I sometimes have a hard time controling my mouth and I end up actually arguing with him- which I know is the wrong thing to do. Why I entertain his antics with replies is beyond me but sometimes I just cant help it. My husband teases me and says " dont you see he WANTS you to argue with him?" I know I know....lol
Again- my son is a good, sweet,clean,well mannered kid, who doesnt get into any trouble...he just likes to push my buttons sometimes! We are SO alike that we end up locking horns!
So...I am not laughing AT your but simply WITH you!
UGH
This too shall pass and we will look back on these days and laugh.
Hang in there!
Smiles,
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
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sjmjgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
566 Posts
Stephanie
Mt. Vernon
Iowa
USA
566 Posts |
Posted - Feb 14 2012 : 9:53:42 PM
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I know what you mean, Nini. It was an interesting night around here, let me tell ya. I had a particularly mouthy 10 year old boy to deal with tonight. I just finally said, "If you wanna speak to me, you do it with respect. Would you like to start over?" and that was the end of it (for tonight, anyway!) . Like you and Laurie said, he's a great kid, but he has his moments!
Farmgirl Sister # 3810
Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
- Dalai Lama |
Edited by - sjmjgirl on Feb 14 2012 9:54:35 PM |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Feb 15 2012 : 09:57:27 AM
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Kathy - It's so funny that you mention that. Our son lifts weights (nautilus-type machine) a couple of times a week with his dad as part of his homeschool physical fitness requirement. The equipment is out in the garage, so in the winter, we don't have him do quite as much with it if it's too cold. Lately, however, I've noticed his glare whenever I remind his dad that it's a nice day out and it'd be a perfect time to go out and do his workout. LOL! I suppose that could be construed as a form of punishment on a bad day, huh? I don't mean it to be, but hey, if it makes him think... maybe THREE days a week wouldn't hurt every now and then!
LOL! Oh, Laurie! Don't feel bad - I was laughing when I posted it! I'm glad you appreciate my quirky sense of humor!!! My husband says the same thing when my son gets under my skin! He says, "Can't you see he LIKES to see the fire in your eyes?" My response is, "Well, yeah, but if he's not careful, it's going to well up, shoot out at him, and he's going to get burned!" LOL!!! (And don't think for one minute that he hasn't learned all of this from his dad!!!) Mine's 15, and somedays he thinks he's ten feet tall and bulletproof... I'm sure you know what I mean! LOL!
It's so good to know we're not all alone in this, huh, Stephanie? Everything gets better in time, I'm told. One of my friends says it's absolutely at its worst when they have a girlfriend... We'll see!
Thanks for commiserating, girls! You've all brought a smile to my face and a giggle in my heart!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
www.papercraftingwithnini.myctmh.com
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Feb 15 2012 : 10:45:25 AM
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By the way... the cupcake worked like a charm!!!
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
www.papercraftingwithnini.myctmh.com
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laurentany
True Blue Farmgirl
3259 Posts
Laurie
Patchogue
NY
USA
3259 Posts |
Posted - Feb 15 2012 : 5:44:47 PM
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LOL 
Nothing a cupcake, cookie or a nice piece of dark chocolate cant cure!
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
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rough start farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3331 Posts
marianne
The Beautiful Pacific NW
Washington State
USA
3331 Posts |
Posted - Feb 16 2012 : 03:03:17 AM
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Hey girls,
Just wanted to let you know that you really have the problem half licked by just realizing that it is happening. You seem in touch with your teenagers and what is driving their frustrations. Congratulations, they are lucky to have you for their moms!
Marianne |
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lisalisa
True Blue Farmgirl
216 Posts
Lisa
Broomall
PA
USA
216 Posts |
Posted - Feb 16 2012 : 07:09:10 AM
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My son is almost 13, and boy oh boy!
Oh my gosh, Laurie, it's the same at my house! But sometimes you forget to just be quiet and walk away, and the mouth starts (mine!).
Nini, we've been there and we're there now, and yes, it does pass. But in the meantime, it seems like it will never end!
All I've got is, "Don't talk to me that way, I'm your mother." and the classic "mom look".
And of course, pray. A lot.
---Lisa |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
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Lieberkim
True Blue Farmgirl
839 Posts
Kimberly
Sunnyside
WASHINGTON
USA
839 Posts |
Posted - Feb 17 2012 : 06:26:22 AM
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OH NO! My son is six and my daughter four and this doesn't sound good after the day I had yesterday...... I haven't raised a child to the teen point yet so I got nada in the way of advice but I would agree with Marianne, I think your children are lucky to have you for mother. The only advice I can give that I believe works for every situation in life, hit your knees and seek guidance from the Master.
Excuse the mess & the noise, my children are making happy memories |
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Family Matters: The Toothpaste Limit |
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The Toothpaste Limit
