Friday, May 22, 2009

Male Bonding Has Nothing on Female Bonding

Today is the Teenager’s last day of school and I think she is looking forward to spending more time at home. Yesterday, she sat in a gymnasium all day while her classmates attended their field trip to the local State Park; we could have opted to let her stay at home but chose, instead, to send her to in-school detention because, the fact that there were underlying emotional issues at play in the revocation of her invitation to attend the trip didn’t change the fact that her behavior was unacceptable and; it was important to us that she face the consequences of her actions.

We want her to understand that, in life, we often feel frustrated, scared, and unsure but, that taking our feelings out on other people is not the way to go, especially when it involves the disrespecting of teachers. Not going to happen on our watch.

As for the underlying emotional issues-the Teenager met with the school counselor. I spoke with the counselor as well and she gave us a variety of exercises to work on at home; exercises aimed at helping the Teenager relax before bedtime to help reduce the occurrence of nightmares as well as some aimed at getting the Teenager to open up and communicate her fears and feelings more clearly.

Journal writing was at the top of the list and, although the Teenager isn’t a huge fan of writing, she seemed interested in trying. I’m mulling over whether or not to suggest that she start a blog-it might help and probably couldn’t hurt but; I’ll understand if she would prefer something more private, like a journal tucked away in a lock-box under her bed.

Either way.

Since she only has a half-day at school today, I made appointments for haircuts for both of us this afternoon, I think it will be a good mother-daughter bonding activity and, just to be sure that it is an unforgettable one; I made also made an appointment for the Teen’s first eyebrow waxing. My little girl, she isn’t so little anymore. Or, as she says, “Uni-brow- be gone!”

What can I say; the mother and daughter who, together, undergo the ripping of hot wax from their faces are the mother and daughter who can accomplish anything together.

Damn, I should embroider that on a pillow.

6 comments:

  1. I vividly remember the first time my mom showed me how to tweeze my eyebrows. It's more vivid even than shaving my legs or getting my first period. So congratulations on this momentuous occasion!

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  2. You seem like a great mom. Personal responsibility appears to be a thing of the past sometimes, so it's good to see someone drilling it into their offspring.

    Is the eyebrow waxing part of her punishment? :)

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  3. LOL! I agree with Mercy, about personal responsibility not being taught enough, good for you for teaching it!

    I like the pillow idea!

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  4. I have never been waxed. I am a tweezer. But it does sound like a great bonding experience. Hope her spirits are up!

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  5. I didn't get a brow wax til long after I was married, so your daughter is WAY ahead of the curve. You're a great mom. It's hard to see when you're in the thick of it, but you are. :)

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