Bad Parenting Moment

from JoeUser Forums
I am not a perfect parent. I try. I am acutely aware of my short-comings. I offer my children the choice--either go to therapy now on my tab, or deal with it later and pay for it yourself.
OK-So I was having one of those mind-numbingly frustrating conversations with my 13yo. It went something like this:
"Why can't I?"
"Because A B and C"
"But why can't I?"
"Let's review--because A B and C"
"But Why?"
"Why do you ask of you aren't going to listen to the answer?"
"Why Can't I?"
At this point my 15yo blasted 13yo in the face with a spritzer bottle and said, "Bad Dog, No Bark!"

I probably shouldn't have laughed.
humor
11,084 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top

Ah that doesn't sound like bad parenting to me.  Good on your 15 year old, see now that is something I would do as a parent......

I thinking parenting is HARD work.

I won't pay for therapy though....they can tough it out just like the rest of the world!

Hang in there......

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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
you are awesome.
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
I would have laughed too...that was hilarious! At least it sounds like the 15yo got it. Maybe you just need to hang in there and let time do its thing for the 13yo. Teens are way worse than 2s!!
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
I echo these sentiments - parenting is a hard job, and stepparenting is no picnic either. And, you're a great writer.

My 15 year old is a lawyer, you need to say everything precisely to him, with no ambiguity at all or he will look for the loophole and exploit it, and then blame me.
He, however, can be as inarticulate as he wants and I must decipher him.

Me: I asked you not to tease your sister.
KC: You told me not to talk to her.
Me: Ok, then that means don't make faces and point at her.
KC: I can't laugh?
Me: No. Don't laugh. Don't smile. [which leads to the ridiculous edict] Don't look at your sister!
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
I offer my children the choice--either go to therapy now on my tab, or deal with it later and pay for it yourself.


Hey, not a bad deal! I wish my parents had some foresight to offer me those options. I'll keep that phrase in mind as my son becomes old enough to grasp how messed up we are too
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
Thanks. It ain't for the squeamish...
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
I woulda laughed too.

You have more patience than I do. I don't normally care to repeat myself.