Ice Cream
I have the ultimate solution to getting your teenager to talk!
Ice cream.
Yesterday I take Peter to Coldstone Creamery after his hellacious History exam and we talk about the graduation trip. Turns out, it’s all no biggie. He just felt silly for forgetting to get the permission slip signed.
So much for my fears of a weirdo-loner lurking in a dank basement for the rest of his life. Turns out he’s just a kid who forgets stuff, and feels bad about it.
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:37 am
Sometimes all you need is to get out of your own four walls and take a moment with the kids one-on-one to get them talking. The worst thing you can do is try to have a heart to heart in the middle of all the action at home. You need peace and quiet, and focus. Glad the ice cream worked for you!
June 5th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Usually when I read books like this, the authors act like they have everything all figured out. From this blog, it sure sounds like you are still fighting the battle like the rest of us. I’m not sure if that makes me feel comforted or worried — I kind of wish there was a permanent “solution” out there that would just get rid of guilt and worry once and for all!
June 5th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Donna, how right you are.
I certainly don’t have it all figured out. Every day is a work in progress. Most days, I take one step forward and maybe half a step backwards. Some days, it’s all forward, some days, it’s all backwards.
I do know this: When I am watching movies, looking at art, reading books (and the newspaper), mixing with people who teach me things, and when I am writing, I feel connected to life. I am energetic and interested. And then, I can be a MUCH better mother.
So while I can’t say I have any kind of permanent solution to offer anyone, I can say, I’m pretty happy, muddling along. And that is all I can really ask for!