I've been watching you

I always knew the time would come when I would no longer be the parent of innocent toddlers, but the parent of dramatic, independance seeking teenagers instead. This prospect has always frightened me, since I myself was a very rebellious teenager and many times made some horrible decisions that could have cost me my life.

So now having teenagers of my own is terrifying. It's a constant gut check. Nothing is simple anymore and I have to rely on my instincts as much as I did when they were helpless infants. Every "mom, can I..." could end innocently or in catastrophe.

I really just have to hope that through the years I have instilled SOME values in thier heads. That I have both told and modeled self respect and common sense. That I have managed to keep the doors of communication wide open despite having to lay down the law when are unable to get a grip.

I didn't always realize how important those preteen years were. Those years were our chance to prepare them for this. Because now we have no choice but to slowly let them into the world and trust that they will think with their minds and make good decisions, at least more often than not.

So, you parents of little ones. Use this time, the time when you can be by thier side 24/7 to instill values into them. Don't be afraid to talk about certain subjects because before you know it, they will be learning it from someone else, the hard way. Love them, support them, and teach them. Live your own life the way you would have them live thiers.



A song to live by.

Watching you- Rodney Atkins

Drivin’ through town just my boy and me
With a Happy Meal in his booster seat
Knowin’ that he couldn’t have the toy ‘til his nuggets were gone.
A green traffic light turned straight to red
I hit my brakes and mumbled under my breath.
His fries went a flyin’, and his orange drink covered his lap
Well, then my four year old said a four letter word
It started with “S” and I was concerned
So I said, “Son, now where’d you learn to talk like that?”

Chorus:
He said, "I’ve been watching you, dad ain’t that cool?
I’m your buckaroo, I wanna be like you.
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.
We got cowboy boots and camo pants
Yeah, we’re just alike, hey, ain’t we dad?
I want to do everything you do.
So I’ve been watching you."

We got back home and I went to the barn
I bowed my head and I prayed real hard
Said, “Lord, please help me help my stupid self.”
Just this side of bedtime later that night
Turnin’ on my son’s Scooby-Doo nightlight.
He crawled out of bed and he got down on his knees.
He closed his little eyes, folded his little hands
Spoke to God like he was talkin’ to a friend.
And I said, “Son, now where’d you learn to pray like that?”

Chorus:
He said, "I’ve been watching you, dad ain’t that cool?
I’m your buckaroo; I want to be like you.
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.
We like fixin’ things and holding moma’s hand
Yeah, we’re just alike, hey, ain’t we dad?
I want to do everything you do; so I’ve been watching you"

With tears in my eyes I wrapped him in a hug.
Said, “My little man is growin’ up.”
And he said, “But when I’m big I’ll still know what to do.”

"‘Cause I’ve been watching you, dad ain’t that cool?
I’m your buckaroo; I want to be like you.
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.
By then I’ll be strong as superman
We’ll be just alike, hey, won’t we dad
When I can do everything you do.
‘cause I’ve been watchin’ you."
hey yeah
uh huh