My kids would argue that I was put on this earth to embarrass them. I do consider that part of my job description. I read once that if you “mortify your kids enough, and you’ll help fuel them to do what they were put here for — to make their way in the world without us.” I’m not sure that I am totally with that one but it was from the NY Times!
I embarrass my kids when I sing or dance in public. I’m not even allowed to hum. I embarrass them when I talk with people in the grocery store line. I embarrass them when I talk to their friends, look at their friends, I’m sure even mention their friends. Actually, I embarrass them just by existing. I try to tell them that I really am working as hard as I can NOT to embarrass them. Yet, my every breath does. Maybe they will get it when they are parents.
I don’t allow peer pressure to bother me and that bothers my kids as well. “All the other parents do …” “Why do you have to be the only one who does …” I say because I am an individual and I have to go on my own ideals (note the eye-rolling).
My mom was the “cool” mom – although embarrassing to me. What did she do to be cool? She treated my friends like adults (but not me). She listened to them (but not me). She wore cool clothes (but didn’t buy me any)… get the picture?! Our impressions as kids will always be different from how other people view our parents. Looking back, she was cool — I just missed it because I was a teenager (an affliction in and of itself).
So today, I am likely to embarrass my kids when we go skiing. I am slower than them. I like to know where I am going ahead of time. I wear warm but “awkward” clothes. And, I need bathroom breaks (I did give birth to twins you know!). I’ll make an effort to keep the embarrassment it to a minimum – but I make no promises!
Try not to dance in the grocery store aisles today in front of your kids and I’ll do the same! Enjoy!
theyearof50 