From the Sidelines – Parents also suffer ‘summertime blues’

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Sometimes it seems like it takes all the love in the world to keep you from threatening your own child with severe consequences on a daily basis. I know this because my mother spared me enough times to convince me that her love for me was more than unconditional. It was eternal.
Why do children insist on tormenting their parents with deliberate, unadulterated rebellion

? Is it an instinctive, uncontrollable, reactionary means of survival?
I don’t have any answers. All I know is that it gets harder and harder for me to deal with insolent behavior the older I get.
I can’t decide whether I am getting older because of my inability to cope with unruly children, or I am less able to cope with blatant disrespect and the turmoil accompanying teenage angst because I am older.
In any case, school is out and the long, hard, scorching-hot summer is upon us.
As if dealing with the increasingly unbearable heat wasn’t bad enough, parents now have to deal with the idle hands of their bored children. Sure, there are summer camps, church related functions and events, pools, movie theaters, the river, etc., but what will you do once all of those options have been exhausted?
I know. It is hard to come up with things that will both interest and benefit you’re your children at the same time.
Yet another obstacle this year is the ridiculous gasoline prices. How are we supposed to drive our kids to the pool, the movies and anywhere else they need to get in order to remain engaged in positive summer activities?
Some of you may be saying things like, “How about board games?” “Try reading long books.” “Begin a project as a family.” “Draw, write, dream, create,” etc. Believe me, we have tried everything. Been there, done that. Now what? Take a deep breath?
How about…hmm? I got nothing.
The only thing I can suggest for all the parents who care enough to make it through another long hot summer is prayer. That’s right, prayer. Pray hard and pray often. Pray until the cows come home. Pray as if your life depended on it because it does. Pray! Pray!! Pray!!! Then pray some more. Pray for patience and understanding. Pray for your children, pray for your spouse and pray for yourself, just pray.
Godspeed fellow parents have a wonderful summer and may the force be with you.

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