Home Sweet Home
Mrs. Hyde Speaks Up
Mr. Hyde knows his ass is just two short steps from the curb. When he throws his temper tantrums or starts his angry spouts, I no longer jump in and try to diffuse the situation -- I walk out of the room or ignore him. I’ve stopped letting him steam roll over me and just accepting blame for the sake of household peace.
He must know our future status is hanging by a thread. How do I know this? The other night, he started to complain about my son... again. He’s lazy, he never does his homework, I’m not doing enough to make sure he does his schoolwork or chores, I’m not being hard enough on him or punishing him enough. Same crap as always. My son is 14 and yes, he’s a typical teenager trying to get away with the minimum amount of work with a maximum amount of video games, tv and fun with friends.
I call and email his teachers frequently to check his progress and I try to remain actively involved in his life, but he’ll only let me in so far before he’ll be embarrassed by Mom asking so many questions. I think we have a wonderful relationship and I treasure the fact he comes to me when things are bothering him and feels comfortable enough to talk to me about it.
Anyway, this night my son had a headache and didn’t feel well so he went to bed early. Mr. Hyde grumbled about how he probably would be too "sick" to go to school in the morning and how I would buy whatever crap he dished out to me in the morning and let him stay home. How nothing was wrong with him other than him being a lazy good for nothing. And the final insult... how can he respect me when I refuse to parent my son?
I coldly replied to each stinging point he brought up. If he’s running a fever, he’ll stay home. If not, he’ll go to school. Punishments are at my discretion and I will handle them. I also pointed out that no matter what happens I do not criticize his parenting or his children. I don’t presume to punish them or question his methods because I trust him to do what he thinks is best for them. I asked for the same respect in return.
