A few have been dying to know why the boys were grounded. They didn't sneak out of the house and go on a drinking binge. They didn't sneak girls into their room late at night. They didn't shoplift from a store. They didn't even hang their brother by his feet from the upstairs railing. Infact, they've never done any of that. So? What were they doing?
Ready? They were rough housing in the basement at 2 a.m. Yes, that's right! Do I sound like a strict mother? Well, before a jury of my peers convicts me and sentences me to cleaning the boys' bathrooms for a year, let me tell you my story.
This past weekend John was away in Paris and I ended up having some of my scrapping friends come for the weekend. I prepared the boys in advance that all the rooms would be taken up and that they could sleep in Dad's office (which happens to be beside the basement guest room.) I explained that someone would be sleeping in the room next to them and that they would have to be quiet. On Friday night/Saturday morning (like 3 a.m.) they were up and fooling around. When I got up in the morning, I was angry and gave them a lecture about being quiet as we had guests in the house and they couldn't be keeping everyone awake. The next night/morning they were rough housing at 2 a.m. while someone was trying to sleep in the room next door. I finally had to split them up and told them we would discuss the matter after everyone had left.
After discussion, we all agreed that a grounding was in order and that they would not see any screens for a week.
...unfortunately, due to excellent behaviour, I will not be able to prolong the grounding. In fact, John and I have agreed that they deserve to get off early. So, Saturday morning, life in my house will return to normal. (sigh! I knew it was too good to last!)
The only time I remember my kids being up at 2 AM was on a Christmas morning long ago. It just about drove me nuts!
ReplyDeleteYikes! I forgot my TT. I knew something was missing. Oh well, next week, I guess.
ReplyDeleteNo screen time... I like that. ;) Sounds like a very good punishment. LOL
I totally agree with you. I probably would have done something much worse than grounding. I have been known to go "Madea" on my kids every once in a while. Actually, I have only done this twice... once on the 17 yr old and once on the 11 yr old...
ReplyDeleteAhh teens....one moment they can make you so proud only to find yourself five minutes later shaking your head and proclaiming to all, "really, they are not mine!"
ReplyDeleteI think back to the few times where my kids were grounded and the reasons for those groundings. It was always for similar reasons like what Matt & Spence were doing. Like you, the best grounding was from the "screen". Now that they are mature "responsible" adults, I can honestly say their teen years were good. No sneaking out, no "inappropriate" behaviours in the community, etc.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing a great job Barb! Although they may drive you nuts sometimes, you're doing a great job.