Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Try to lead a herd of cats? Try 11 teenagers!


Attempting to discuss on helicopter vs. authoritative parenting, I was challenged about having the ability to parent or not;
"You mean, since I don't have children, I don't know what it's to be a parent?"

"Well, that's not what I mean... you don't have children, you know?"

"I took care of many children, including my cousins, that meant  babies to adolescents. I have three godchildren.  Have you EVER taken care of 11 teenagers under your roof for 6 weeks? Especially them being all girls...  have you?"

"Eleven girls- how did you do that?"

"With a sense of humor; a routine for chores; clear rules with enforcing responsibility for actions; listening and empathy; not taking B.S; and also to know that I'm not perfect, but I did my best. Even the kids knew that and appreciated that."

A pause, then "I guess you do know how to parent."  







Nice to know I get approval to parent... (sarcasm) 

(Note: I was a summer counselor. Two other counselors, who were teamed with me, were too busy with their summer flings and gossip, leaving me alone with the teenagers in a range of age 13 to 16. Including two kids that had a history of being kicked out in past years- but they managed to complete the stay with me. All sharing a cabin with two toilets, even so. Gotta love Camp Endeavor in FL!) 

1 comment:

  1. WOW!!!! KUDOS to you for being able to handle that, Julie!!! The closest thing to a parenting experience I had was my 3-month stint at a local daycare, but then again I was never alone - there was always at least two other people with me.

    ReplyDelete