I think I should probably allow my children to visit other people's homes without me more often. Hannah is now four, and she has been to someone else's house exactly two times, as of today, without me for a play date. Today's happened because one of my piano students has a little sister who turned four today. Usually she's at gymnastics when piano lessons happen, but since it was her birthday she did not go. The mother invited my kids over, just around the corner, for the 30 minutes of the lesson. I quite reluctantly let them go trying to make excuses, "Oh, Seth is snuffy, he might be getting a cold..." "OK, just for the 30 minutes, and you'll bring them back when you come to pick up your daughter?" "OK, well, see you in 30 minutes." 30 minutes. 30 minutes. 30 minutes. I feel like I said it 500 times. I was completely distracted during the lesson! This student was out last week for PNEUMONIA!!! What if her house is infected? They're going to forget their sunglasses. Oh, and their gloves. Oh! Their hats! Why didn't I just strip them naked and send them on their way, just to be sure they wouldn't leave anything behind there. I hope Seth doesn't have to use the bathroom there because I'm sure she doesn't know anything about taking boys to the bathroom. OH, I really hope Hannah doesn't have to because she'll do it all herself, and then not wash her hands right. Holy Helicopter Mom! Maybe I hover a little too much. It literally gave me a headache. I had to take Advil after my last student. I think I may be a bit controlling. Ya think?
On another note, we went to eat at a restaurant called Coyote Blues for my birthday dinner, did I mention that? Pretty sub-par. Anyway, I emailed them letting them know I was sorely disappointed, but in much more words than just those two, and that we couldn't afford to come there again to potentially be disappointed AGAIN. The owner emailed me VERY quickly afterward and asked if they could try and redeem themselves because they are a new restaurant and can't afford for customers to have visits like that. WOO!! We're going back tomorrow night for a meal and he's paying! Really though, I'm glad because I really felt like we didn't get anywhere near our money's worth out of that experience.
T minus 2 days and Tricia will be here. :)
Couple of comments:
ReplyDeleteRe helicoptering: People of my generation have a hard time understanding the newer generation's desire (or need) to helicopter their kids. When I was a lad (65 years ago) this was unknown, and we kids were pretty much on our own, especially during summer vacation. We visited all our friends, played together, improvised cowboy and Indian fights, went all over town, and had no input from our parents at all unless we got into trouble. We had no little league, organized sports began in high school. We had no "play dates", a term that still confuses me. We all grew up and became adults.
I think the regimented situation today for most kids actually hinders their ability to make decisions and explore new things. I think it is admirable that you spend so much time helping your kids reach their potential, but a little freedom is OK along with the learning. Yeah, you are bit controlling..!
When Karon and I have a bad experience with a restaurant, I always send my thoughts to someone at the main headquarters. If it was shabby treatment from a waiter or waitress, I will have their name in it. Almost universally I will get an apology and a certificate for a free meal or something complimentary. I think most people are too accepting of poor performance. "Well, we just won't go there again" doesn't help them improve at all. Good for you in letting them know that their performance was below par! We need more folks like you.