Be Counterculture. Raise your own kids.
As I made my way through the grocery store parking lot to run in and grab a bottle of cranberry juice, I saw the above message on a bumper sticker. It just about stopped me dead in my tracks, but considering why I needed the cranberry juice, I hurried on about my business.
Now that’s a novel concept, I thought to myself.
Then I immediately began to experience a heroic sized guilt trip for even considering placing my child in ::gasp:: boarding school.
I thoroughly beat my self up and questioned my decision all the way home. By the time I walked in the door, I wanted to turn my cranberry juice “cocktail” into the real thing with a big shot of vodka. But I didn’t. I just cried instead.
What kind of mother sends her kid to boarding school? Am I throwing in the towel? Letting someone else “raise” my kid? Is this really the best thing for my child? Shouldn’t I be able to handle a 13 year old? Geez. (Give me a convicted murderer any day.)
Once bitten-twice shy they say. After Bubba‘s escapades, I am just not willing to take any chances with this remaining wild Indian. So, I have made up my mind (again), she’s going. That is, as long as she’s accepted by one of the two schools to which we‘ve applied.
In fact, she better pray that she gets accepted by the artsy school. This second one is a lot tougher. They make ’em do “chores” and chop firewood.
Imagine that.
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I'm going to say again, for what it's worth, that you made the right decision, Lisa. You are a single parent. The option of quitting work, staying home and being a "sahm" is not open to you for this year. Add to that the fact that Ab seems to be in full rebellion mode right now. That situation is trouble even for Stay-at-home moms. You can't be with them 24 hours a day. You can't keep them from hanging around with the wrong kids once they are out of your sight. To me, it seems like the best thing you could do for her right now is to take her completely out of the situation she is in, and put her someplace where she can be challenged academically and refocused into positive behaviors. It may not be the ideal solution, but if it isn't, I'd like to know what is. (So would you, I'm sure!) ((((Hugs)))) Lisa :-]
ReplyDeleteThis cannot and I am sure was not an easy decision. So here's the thing. I like that bumper sticker a lot. There should be some fine print that advises you 'get help as needed' 'cause none of us can do it totally alone. You know what's best for Ab. Go after it Mama Bear. Lots of pangs, but no guilt.
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