Cool. The last post was #100. A pretty significant milestone. If I were a tv show, I'd get a cake. Oh, who am I kidding? I'll probably have cake anyway.
Today began the annual ritual I like to call "Step-Parenting 101." It's a remedial course, namely because you would not believe the things you forget from last year. Now that summer vacation has begun, we have DSS on alternating weeks. Which means we get more day-to-day, real-life time with him, not just the It's-Dad's-Weekend-let's-have-fun stuff.
DSS is certainly his father's son. Translation: he is a complete bear to wake up in the morning. DH leaves for work at 6:15 AM. It really doesn't make much sense to have DSS up at that time, so wake up duties now fall to me. And yes, there are many a time that I've wanted to throw up my hands at the both of them and just let them rot there.
It is a fact of life that there are times when a step-parent will not agree with how the other parent handles certain things. The Ex and I are no exception. Heck, if we ever agree on anything, it'll be a miracle. Ok, to be honest, we both like Yankee Candles, and there is a Sparkling Grapefruit with her name on it too, but I digress (sorry, inside joke). In this instance, we disagree on the proper way to wake a child from a restful night's sleep in order to have them in the best frame of mind to face the coming day. At the ex's house, basically the kids know that once Mom starts yelling, it's time to wake up. I've heard stories about ice being tossed on them and cold water. I vowed to never resort to those tactics.
However, the result is that without the yelling, DSS does not seem to think that it is imperative that he get his rear in gear so I'm not late for work.
I regret to say I had to flick water on DSS in order to wake him up today (head hanging low).
Granted, it wasn't a glass of water. Merely a few drops, just enough to get his attention. That and I had been trying to find some sign of life for forty-five minutes at this point. I was at end of my patience.
I don't want to be a mean step-mom, really. So perhaps that is the reason I came up with the pirate theme of this morning's waking up ceremony. I turned the ceiling fan on high, sprayed him with water, started shaking the mattress, and began yelling, "AHOY, MATIE! HARD TO PORT AND TRIM THOSE SAILS, YOU SCALLY-WAG! ARRRR!"
Ah, yes. The look on his face was priceless.
Perhaps I do exaggerate a bit, but I did receive a really dirty look from DSS once his eyes opened this morning.
Besides, he should know by now that I am the nutty one. If he doesn't want to get up in the morning, I cannot be held responsible for what creative means my brain comes up with to make sure he does.
5 comments:
I think you should do the Pirate wake-up routine. Have a camera ready to record the results. Threaten to post them on your blog if he does not get out of bed the first time you ask.
Perhaps it's a very good thing I'm not responsible for children(step or otherwise)
Oh, that's a good idea. Public humiliation.
I used to be very hard to get out of bed. Well, OK, I still like to sleep in, but my parents always had a hard time. They'd tickle my feet, but I'd kick them in my sleep. They gave me a night shirt that said "Sleep Team 87"
Well, now he has turtles next to his bed. I thought about letting them loose on him, but with my luck, something would happen and we'd have to bury a turtle next to the hamster in the backyard.
My dad, who could not cary a tune to save his life, would sing "Zippity Doo Daa" in a LOUD voice to get us up. Very irritating.
All my mom had to do was wisper: "The bus is coming", which would get me up and moving at full speed in about 60 seconds.
I rather like the pirate theme.
Good one on btuda - it helps a lot!
We clearly share similar parenting experiences and views.
I've been reading one that I'm hooked on - http://todayscliche.com/.
I have a feeling you'd get a lot out of it.
Incredible job on your blog; keep it up.
Thanks,
Amy
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