Thursday, December 31, 2009

How quickly the conversation changes

Not that long ago, whenIMG_7996 we had *those* conversations with the kids about “IF you are drinking or with someone who is drinking, please don’t drive… Just call us… We won’t judge…” we were met with eye rolls and proclamations that they nor their friends drank.

Today, I went into my usual spiel with my college boy since tonight is notoriously amateur drunk driving night.  His response?

Don’t worry mom.  I’m spending the night there.”

35 comments:

cheatymoon said...

This says a lot about your parenting that he is so honest. Good for you. You can relax tonight...
:-)

Happy New Year, Beth!!

Laura Marchant said...

Oh and Happy New Year!

Jan said...

Oldest Son has to do a show tonight (his night job is running the sound board for various local stage theatres), and will take the bus home well before midnight and spend the the night most likely drinking beer while he plays video games. Darling Daughter is going to be at an Elk lodge, of all places, laughing at the "old drunk people" and remaining sober so she can drive the ones home that can't do it themselves.

I actually have nothing to worry about tonight. I'm amazed.

Pseudo said...

Prayers for all partakers safety tonight. May everyone know not to drive and be as smart as your son.

Happy New Year Beth!

Brian Miller said...

nice, and this is supposed to set you at ease...smiles.

essbesee said...

I am so freaked out already about having two teenage boys one day. ack! happy new year!

Vodka Mom said...

Parents around the world will be praying hard tonight.


I'm right with 'em.

Mike said...

The hard part is knowing that for every 5 people who are behind the wheel sober, there is probably going to be one who has had just a little too much. Even the innocent must beware.

CiCi said...

Those days are behind me now, so it is interesting to hear other parents speak out this time of year. You did all you can do as I applaud your parenting skills as well as your teaching skills. I really like reading about the children at school as well as the bits here and there about your family. Happy New Year to you all.

Masala Chica said...

I am sure he will be fine - at least he will be off the roads. And that is probably the best thing to know . . .

Happy New Year!

Cristin said...

Smart boy you got there.

Happy New Year!

Michele said...

Smart kid. It is better to know that he is staying then taking chances. Doesn't mean you won't worry though.

Kristina P. said...

Are there lots of hot chicks there?

Chris said...

Lesson learned. My dad had that talk with me way back when, and completely backed it up. And now that my son just got his license, we had the same conversation. It's parents who say "If I ever catch you drinking I'm going to kill you" that run into problems. The kids just won't tell them.

Brenda Susan said...

Love how he thinks that makes it all better for you! Mine does the same. Prayers are filling the airwaves tonight my friend!

justsomethoughts... said...

well, it's better than driving...

wishing you and yours a year of peace and light

PJ said...

That's good, you'll sleep so much better. Happy New Year!

Maureen@IslandRoar said...

Had this same conversation with my college boy tonight, and it went pretty much the same way. *sigh*

Herding Cats said...

Good for him! And great for you. I bet that is a huge sigh of relief. At least he's being honest! This is the first year for a long time I'm NOT going out and thus, can pass out on the couch with my champagne in hand. Happy New Year!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

That's a double edged sword, isn't it? You don't want them to drink but you REALLY don't want them to drink and drive. Reality says they're going to do what they're going to do. Best to have them safely off the road.

You've done a good job. My dad used to say he could tell that two ways: If your kid's up front about it and if he's out of high school and still alive. Dad was such a philosopher.

This is all part of the hazing of mothers. There's a lot of prayer involved. It'll be okay.

Happy New Year!!

PS What you say does sink in, even if they act like they aren't listening. You'll have proof when you overhear them talking to a child of their own or a child of someone else's and your words are what are coming out of their mouths.

rachaelgking said...

Honesty is the best policy... especially when you're comfortable enough to have it with your parents. ;-)

gayle said...

What a relief to hear those words!!

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Is he staying home to be with his family...or to drink? All mine are grown and now I can worry about the grandchildren...... Vicious cycle, huh?

Liz Mays said...

Well, I guess that is the lesser of the two evils...

Candice said...

I'm glad you'll be able to rest easy. Hopefully. ;)

Happy New Year!

Michel said...

HHAHAHA! OMG that's hilarious!! At least he was honest (and safe).

Happpy New Year Beth!

kanishk said...

all places, laughing at the "old drunk people" and remaining sober so she can drive the ones home that can't do it themselves.

wagyu kobe beef

Christy Walters said...

Open and continued communication is key!!

Carma Sez said...

You have raised some responsible kids. How did I just now notice the sculpture your husband made for you. Was that your face when startled by one of those pranks at your school???

Deb said...

Wow. Unbelievable. Glad you have a relationship with him that allows him to feel free to be honest.

Hey...I'm back! Come visit Debland when you can...

Everyday Goddess said...

Well it's still better than a DUI, or an accident?
Because like my mom used to say, people can sleep with each other anytime.
Wait. That's misleading.
She wasn't giving permission.
She was being realistic.
Remember that song Afternoon Delight?
That was giving permission.
Okay. I'll go now.

Rosaria Williams said...

Well, he's using his head. Happy New Year!

Mrsbear said...

If there's going to be drinking, at least he won't be going anywhere. Good to know their sponge brains are busy absorbing even as their eyes are rolled completely to the whites.

Hope all your peeps are safe and sound in 2010. :)

MikeWJ at Too Many Mornings said...

Increasingly, your son's response sounds like my son's response. I hate having a 15 year old in the house.

Anonymous said...

Keep posting stuff like this i really like it.