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From the Mouths of Babes

Role Model and Role Reversal

Role Model and Role Reversal

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Written by Donna Chafin-Medica
Thursday, 10 July 2008
Just when we think our kids can't surprise us, they go and do something totally unexpected. As a parent of an impressionable teenager, over the years I’ve taught my son, Nick, the importance of values and morals. To do what’s right – whether or not doing the right thing fit in with the wrong that his peers were engaging in, and enticing him to also do. To take a stance and defy those who would seek to challenge him. And over the years, Nick’s grown into a responsible young adult whom I’m exceptionally proud of. His charm is matched only by his wit, creativity, humility and humanity. During the past couple of months, one or two weekly post-work evenings usually have involved some amount(s) of alcohol to kill the trials and tribulations of my day or week. Normally, it’s just a cocktail to take the edge off. On a couple of those evenings, I imbibed more than I should have, and the autopilot mechanism in Hungry, Hungry Hippo (translation – my trusty SUV) got me the mile or so home. I can honestly say I don’t remember getting there, but arrived safely nonetheless. The first time, I was confronted by Nick: Nick: Mom, are you drunk? Moi: No, but I’ve got a good buzz. (I had “dined” on a couple of Waboritas and nothing else.) Nick: You’re drunk. Moi: No, I’m not. Nick: Whatever! And after an exceptionally stressful day last week (the second over-inebriated time), I was read the riot act – by Nick. Nick (upon seeing me walk in the door): You can’t tell me you’re not drunk. Moi: Okay, I won’t. (I’d had 3 Waboritas and a shot of Cabo.) I am hungry though. Let’s go to the store and grab some snacks – I’m in the mood for something sweet. Who wants to go? Nick (stupefied): You’re gonna drive? Moi: Sure – I’m fine. Nick: I’m not riding with you. Moi: Whatever. I’m still going to the store. Nick: Damn Mom – then I have to go to make sure you make it. Moi: Whatever. I’m hungry. Let’s go. We go to the store (which was right around the corner from the house) where – so I’m told – I entertained the masses. Apparently I’m funnier when drunk than I am sober. Anyway, I pick up cookies and this and that, and go back home. A couple of days later, Nick and I are sitting at a restaurant eating lunch, and the topic of my drunken evening comes up again. Nick: That wasn’t cool the other night – you were drunk. Moi: I totally agree. I did drink too much. At least I didn’t have a hangover the next day. Nick: What if it was me? You’d jump all over my ass. Moi: You’re absolutely right, I would. Nick: Then why’d you do it? AND drive drunk? Moi: It was only a mile, Nick. Nick: So? What difference does that matter? In a mile, you can still get in an accident. Moi: Okay. You’re right. I hear you my DARE boy. Nick: It’s not funny, Mom! I’m 17 – I don’t want to attend your funeral!!! Moi (numbed): I’m sorry. I promise I won’t do it again. Nick: Next time, if you’re gonna get that wasted, call me and we’ll come pick you up. Moi: Well there’s a switch, huh. Nick: Yeah, I guess. Just don’t do it again! Moi: Okay, okay! Nick: You promise? Moi: I promise. You have my word. “I’m 17, I don’t want to attend your funeral!” Wow - that really stung, and hit a chord! It made me realize – hey stupid, some kind of role model you’re being. Here you’ve been raising a good kid and you’re about to screw up royally! So then, through role reversal (I was the one acting childish and he the parent), I discovered he was the role model I needed to follow. Good thing I’m the parent – otherwise he may have grounded me! Can I just say that, at that moment - I was oozing with so much pride. Thanks buddy for the awakening! Mind you, I recognize the stupidity of my ways and in no way am I condoning my actions. I am passing this along because I learned a lesson. Not only are we teaching our kids, but they’re teaching us, too. You know, sometimes we forget – our kids are pretty smart despite their being kids, and we can learn a lot from them. Go figure! Related Articles Beer Consumption 101 The Year of the Fat Ass Mr. Grieves #134 Sponsored Links Tag this article:

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