I've said it many times before, I say it again today: Parenting is the hardest job on the planet! I don't think there is another job that expects so much and pays so little...well, except for student teaching - but hopefully that will eventually start to pay once I graduate.
There isn't another job on the planet that allows these kinds of working conditions! I'm the boss - but I can't fire anyone, I can't give anyone a raise either. I work way too many hours, but there's no overtime benefits, no sick time, no vacation, I go to my second job really as a break from my first - but will be expected to catch up on my missed duties when I return.
Where's the parenting union? I want to talk to someone about this. If I hear another person tell me how "easy" parenting is - I will lose it.
OK - so you're probably picking up on the vibe that I'm a little stressed. If you didn't - well that was the intention. Just when I thought things with Grover were getting better - BAM something happens...something big. I'm not going to go into too much detail about it - I'm just very frustrated. I'm more frustrated about why he does what he does. He has been doing really great in school - I got his report card the other day, and he's finally making all A's. I was so happy. I think that we're finally in the clear - something has sparked inside of him to make him want to be better....only to be smashed in the face with another problem.
I walk through the door yesterday, after a really good day, and I'm bombarded. Prairie Dawn is crying. Hubby is fuming - I'm pretty sure I saw steam coming out of his ears. Grover is standing in front of me - the look on his face that tells me he's responsible for the sight before me. I don't even have a chance to put my things down before the explanation begins. After five minutes of explanation, I have to start making phone calls. I have to find out more details, I have to extinguish some fires, all before even sitting down. Then I have to discuss everything I've found out with Grover - who immediately denies everything. I'm mad, very mad by this point. Even though I know without a shadow of a doubt that he did what he did - he's not going to 'fess up. I have to stand there and listen to him lie.
As a teacher - a situation like the one I dealt with would be handled by the parent. I can make a phone call, tell the parent what their child did, my involvement is over. As a parent, I have to deal with the problem. I have to try and figure out what happened, talk to all parties involved, weigh out the evidence and then give my verdict. I'm detective, prosecuting attorney, and judge. Once again - no big fat pay check for me....oh no, I get paid in stress - yay for me!
The situation I'm dealing with right now is big. Too big for me to explain in my blog - which is hard for me, because I really don't mind spilling everything out here. Today, I just have to rant on about what's going on - but can't divulge the actual problem. Today I will have to try and get through my day and then no doubt I will be dealing with it again once work is over. *SIGH* What a great way to start the weekend.
OK - I must get ready for work...the other work.
PNOTD:
"Being a good parent is hard work. I would much rather be a stressed out, over-worked, under paid good parent than a bad parent...any day."
Till next time. ;)
Joanna, so sorry you're having to deal with this right before the weekend starts. But what I'm impressed with is that you ARE dealing with it, in a very organized way. You're not denying your son's role in whatever happened, which means you're going to be sure he is held accountable. That is mature parenting; very difficult, but very admirable. I'll keep you in my prayers today, I promise.
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