My oldest son just turned 15 years old. Like many of his friends he wanted to get a learners permit. We had to explain a driving learners permit is a privilege and not just something you get when you turn 15.
For the first time ever my son is attending public school. He has done an amazing job setting his alarm and waking up every day on time. He does not complain, he does not snooze, and he does not force me to wake him up. Matter of fact … my alarm goes off after he’s already made himself breakfast. He has been incredibly responsible waking up on time for school.
But like many pubescent boys, there are many other areas I wish he were more responsible. Maybe I’m just a picky mom, but I like a clean room. Especially now that he’s gone all day long I can’t stand walking by and seeing the mess.
I also hate having to remind him that the overflowing trash cans need to be emptied. It’s pretty obvious, yet it’s not apparent to him. If he could show more responsibility in doing his chores – without being told – I think everyone in the house would be a bit happier.
My son has managed to earn all A’s and B’s in his classes with the exception of 2 C’s. He would have better grades if he actually turned in assignments on time. He has a huge problem being aware of what is due when it’s due and getting it in on time.
Almost all of his homework assignments have points missing because it is turned in late. Of course he is never late for a Clash of Clans war but he always has problems with homework assignment deadlines.
It would be irresponsible parenting of me to allow him to get his learners permit even though he is 15.
We believe with a little more effort and displays of responsibility he will get there. But I until then we’re going to make the hard parenting choices, pick unpopular decisions, and parent through the uncomfortable tension to do what we feel is right. Driving is an enormous responsibility and we never want to be nonchalant about it.
Does this make me incredibly uncool … Absolutely. But I never started parenting to show off my cool factor.