another milestone...

[jay]

My nearly 14-year-old son announced this morning that he wouldn't be available for babysitting Friday night... because he wanted to go to a school dance. With friends, granted, instead of a specific date, but still a first.

Comments

[tenacious-snail.livejournal.com]

w00t! Go James. That is so sweet. Of course, I'm imagining him continuing the point and grunt thing and wondering how that would go over at a dance.

[deedeebythebay.livejournal.com]

Actually, what makes me happy is your apparent attitude.

When I was in my second foster home they had two little girls of their own. I was 16 when I moved in and they 18 when I moved out. The little ones were 3 and 5 when I moved in.

It was my responsibility and obligation for all that they were doing for me to do the babysitting. One time I found out that I had recevied several academic awards with money attached in my senior year. I needed/wanted to be present at the ceremony. I had already promised to watch the girls while the folks went to a John Denver concert. I even found them another babysitter and offered to pay at least 1/2 if not more of the fee. For a long time I was told how selfish I was for that one.

I was never asked if I would babysit, I was told. I can see it rarely in some circumstances, but not every time, not like that. And I know a good many older kids who have resented that practice in their home and how it affected their relationship with their younger siblings. I'm glad that you do not seem to be handling it like that at all.

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

Ow. Ow... (hug)

Not only is it optional for James, but he gets paid something ($3/hour) -- so when he wants a new CD, he's often lobbying us to go out ;).

[dancing-star.livejournal.com]

Go James! Great that he's going with a friend.

[p3aches.livejournal.com]

Interesting turn of a corner. hugs T