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I have 3 boys, so I can somewhat relate

Posted By: sm on 2008-08-04
In Reply to: Problem with 5-year-old and dog - hcmt

It seems I can take privileges away from my oldest and it works very well.  My younger one, however, doesn't seem to care.  What does bother him is sitting on time-out.  I read a few books and they say the length of the timeout should be equal to the age - 5 years old then 5-minute timeout.  This frustrates him more because he likes to be in control and when I put him on timeout, he has no control.  I usually sit him at the dining room chair - no TV, no toys.  I use the timer on the microwave, so he can hear it when he beeps.  He knows to push the chair in when he gets up.  If he does something shortly thereafter, I double the length of the timeout.  A few times of this and eventually they catch on.


As for harming the dogs, I would probably keep them in a certain area of the house where I could see them.  At least then you know if he's doing something to them and hopefully can stop him before he really hurts them. 


As tempting as it is, name-calling will not teach your child anything but name-calling.  Taunting him with this is probably not a good idea.  If he continues to lie, I would continue to put him on timeout or take away privileges depending on the extent of the lie and the circumstances.


I know it's hard, but consistency is the key.  Eventually, he will learn.  It just takes some kids longer than others.




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I seem to relate

the most to tanmamma's post.  I too married very young.  1975 was a whirlwind year for me.  I turned 16 on 03/31, married on 04/12, and had my first child on 07/26!  I know I made the choices, and other than having a wonderful son, if I could go back and live my life again I would not make the same choices.  Then my husband and I really never developed a relationship because he was very young as well, and worked his butt off to provide for us.  I could not ask for a better provider.  However, five years ago when he had the affair, not just an affair, but an emotional affair, is when my world came tumbling down.  I have a lot of anger and resentment regarding this along with hurt and feeling betrayed, in that he gave her exactly what I had wanted from him all of our married life - - his time, his listening ear.  I don't know  -- I know that I need to make changes in my life or I am just going to scream.  I have two wonderful children (ages 33 and 26), a wonderful daughter-in-law and granddaughter.  I sometimes thing that I am being totally unrational and selfish, but I just feel that I need something for me - -


Again, thanks for letting me vent and express my feelings.  Expressing my feelings is something that I really have never done.  It just causes chaos in my marriage. 


 


I can so relate to this...
I never thought a job would wear me down so much, and I am fairly new to all this. To think of the ladies who have been doing this for 20+ years...I would go crazy.

I am looking into starting school this fall myself. I could make double what I do now and still need to find something different. I need a change, seriously.
Wow can I relate

Started getting the menstrual migraines about 6 years ago.  I'm in perimenopause now and while I'm now getting the headaches every 3 weeks instead of the usual every 4, the last 3 were less severe.  Mine always run 24 hours down to the hour exactly and yes, I can tell as soon as I wake up in the morning if it's going to be a migraine day and then I have about 3 hours to get things done because at some point I'll be going to bed for the day.  And it's not only the pain, it's the nausea, the flu-like feeling, the pain in the base of the skull, the whole putrid works.  I am allergic to Tylenol and try acetaminophen and aspirin but have to keep changing the type I take because after a while I start to associate the smell and taste of the meds so strongly with the migraine and I get a revulsion just looking at and smelling the meds.  Kind of like Pavlov and his dogs!! 


Anyway, the last 3 headaches I was actually able to keep at bay with OTC meds and was able to be up and about...it wasn't pleasant but was way better than usual.  So I've got my fingers crossed.  This perimenopause thing was heck for about 6 months and now has been better so I am hoping I am almost through.....


The first OP I can relate to.....the other one should
xx
Boy can i relate!
I had a day like that last Wednesday and I thought the day would never end.  PLUS my ShortHand had bit the dust and I was trying to type everything which was a pain.  But, the good news is, the next day was much better!  Good luck!!
I can relate with you!! sm

It's so nice to hear other peoples experience.  Not that I'm happy you feel you have an eating issue, but I try to explain how I feel to my hubby, and he tries to be supportive, but he just doesn't understand.  He has never had weight issues.  I honestly think you have to be in the situation to understand fully.  Just like a guy wouldn't understand how it feels to be pregnant.  (Which I loved being pregnant with my boys).  I gained so much weight with my kids, but I got back down to my pre-pregnancy weight, but still need to lose some.  My left lower leg has varicose veins really bad, to the point my leg is warm all the time, it aches and swells up some (not a whole lot, but it will get tight feeling).  When I went on NS last year, my leg felt better.  I appreciate your story!  Maybe the moderator can fix us up a weight board and we can all support each other!!


 



I can relate
I'm in the same boat!  I love my husband VERY much, but I feel the same as you.  I started cracking up when you mentioned talking about the dogs..LOL!!   In the mornings, we will sit on the couch with our coffee and have nothing to say to each other, so we watch the dogs run around.  My husband has NO friends or hobbies.  Some of you say to make a date once a week.  Well, we have done that.  We go out to eat, talk about nothing and then I regret paying the money for food I didn't want anyway.  My husband likes to watch movies, so most of the time we have a date to go to Blockbuster to rent a movie.  I lose myself in other peoples lives by watching a movie.  I'm 37 years old and feel like I'm 87.  My husband doesn't know I feel this way and I'm certainly not looking for a new one.  I am happy and feel content and loved, but boy do I wish there was a spark and romance instead of feeling like I have a roommate!   I joined a gym just to do something for myself.  Well my husband has to go too now.  Now, every morning I hear, 'hey got your workout shoes on.'  Arrgghhh!  I just wanted to go when I wanted to go, not be obligated to go at 7 am every morning, but I smile and go.   I've been alone before, lived in my own house by myself for 7 years and I felt much more alive than I do now.  I have no advice, but it's nice to vent once in awhile :)
Can relate to some of this
I had tummy tuck, face lift, arm lift, but have never done acid, this came in after first married, not into Jimi Hendrix nor Woodstock, not the Beatles. I believe in maintenance and keeping up with how I feel on the inside. Believe me, it takes no time to get from your 20s to the 50s, 60s, just such a short time. I have always enjoyed my time here on this earth and it just gets better. Thanks for the YT.
I can relate!
Living and working in the greater New Orleans and having experienced Katrina first hand (yes, I'm one of the morons who stayed) this really made me chuckle!
I can relate to your situation...
My boyfriend and I have lived together for several years. He's a web developer and I'm an MT. We both work at home. Anyway, we did very little w/his family until this past year and now we've taken on (or been thrown into) a whole new role as caretakers for his mother.

My boyfriend's mother had two massive strokes back in the spring. She, too, had not been to a doctor in years and insurance was a big worry at first. The business department at the hospital made sure that they were going to get their money; hence, the Medicaid, Medicare process was started (thank goodness)!

The docs told us that she would never again walk, talk, feed herself, go to the bathroom alone -- you get the picture. We were looking at having to take care of her every single need and, of course, guess who was going to be the ones to "volunteer" do it? That's right... the ones who "work" from home!!! The least qualified!! Her children said, "I can't put mommy in a nursing home"!!! Where are they now? Not here! Man, they ran like scared wimps after they turned the task over to us! Oh, at first they promised to help, but that's not been the case at all.

In the beginning, my boyfriend did not see the big picture either. It being "his mother" and he was going to take care of her. However, when he realized that there may very well be bathroom trips and baths to assist with and that I REFUSED to do it (IOW, HE would have to do it) well, he changed his tune and started listening to me in regards to (1) getting her quality healthcare treatment with folks trained in rehabilitation so that she could at least have some quality of life (I was in no way qualified for this), and (2) checking out all our options.

This entire ordeal has put a great strain on our relationship and my relationship with other family members who only come around when they want something. I won't go there... LOL

Anyway, YES, there are options and these options are for HER best interest, whether she or any other family member may disagree. For her to recover, it's essential that she get all the help she can get -- all that Medicaid/Medicare will pay for -- all the rehabilitation she can get because it's worth every minute of it!

My boyfriend's mother went through very intense, structured rehabilitation programs with some well-trained PTs, OTs, and STs. She can walk, talk, feed herself now and go to the bathroom.

It's very difficult at first but, it's really in her very best interest and you'll all regret if you do not seek the care that she needs from qualified caretakers who can handle these things.

Not only that, it's completely selfish for your MIL, your hubby, and any family member to not demand this treatment that is very much needed and very available!

My boyfriend's mother stayed in the hospital for four weeks and then was in rehab for a another three weeks and believe me, it was worth every single second!

She still goes to speech therapy and, believe it or not, she loves it! She actually enjoyed her stay in the rehabilitation unit.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

I can relate --same situation. sm

My daughter goes to college out of state in New England and does not get any financial aid, which makes no sense because when my other daughter was in college at the same time she got financial aid  for a private college she was going to.  Any scholarships that are available are only for Massachusetts residents.   This college charges for every little thing.   If she wants to join the gym, an extra $100.00.   She told me she needs to move in one day earlier for Soriety business and it will cost an extra $100.00 to move in one day earlier.  She thinks it is senseless also and tell them she won't be coming a day early. 


If you have outside health insurance you can probably have that charge dropped.  We declined the colleges health insurance at $1,0000 a semester. 


I feel bad that my girls have a lot of student loans to pay back but we are not wealthy at all.  We live in our means. There is no way we can come up with $25,000 a year for college. 


oooh I can relate

I have about a 11 yo Shih Tzu, he is a grumpy old man.  He has quite a variety of noises - groans, little whines, shrill barks, etc.  Very expressive.  Now I am working at home again (past 2 months) after 6 years out and he is so happy to sit by side of my desk.  But I am in the basement and he has a hard time with stairs (short little legs) so he whines at the top of the stairs, until someone is "watching him" before he begins to go down. 


 


I can relate to your situation. sm
I'm not interested in back surgery either, except as a last resort. I have "mild" scoliosis (mild as in not severe enough for a brace or surgery, but certainly not mild in the amount of back pain it's caused).

I've had low back back since I was a teenager, but about 8 years ago (when I was about 34) it started getting worse. It got to the point where the pain was so bad I couldn't stand or walk for more than a few minutes w/o needing to sit down. I tried a lot of things (chiropractor, muscle relaxers, TENS unit, PT exercises which I did religiously but they made almost no difference, heat packs, hot baths, Vicodin when the pain was really bad). I was taking a lot of ibuprofen every day and still needed a back brace to do much of anything (house work, grocery shopping, etc.) w/o being in debilitating pain. I have muscle spasms and now have bulging disks pressing on nerves. The muscle spasms are bad enough, but the nerve pain? OMG.

I finally got referred to a pain mgmt doctor. Just yesterday, I got my first facet joint injections with steroids (Depo-Medrol). I was skeptical it would work, but I woke up today for the first time in years with NO back pain. None. I didn't need to take any ibuprofen. I'm astounded. Now, I don't know how long the relief will last because it's different for everyone. It might last a few weeks or a few months, but I'm loving it so far! Just wanted to share my experience. Depending on your back problems, it might be worth looking into pain mgmt? Good luck!


I can relate to several things...

I love working from home, having no commute, being here for my kids.  The flexibility used to be good but that has gone down the tube as well as the $ cut and off shoring. 


The thought of ever having to go back to an office and deal with petty politics and cat fight nonsense makes me sick.  If I can find a job that is not related so much with people but just computers, I think that will be my idea job.  I, too, tend to not mix well with people (or rather I should say they don't play well with me...because I don't play...I'm usually too much of a work-a-holic type personality).  My extent of socializing is pretty much church people too. 


Well, I have 7 years to squeeze 2 more years of college in for a Bachelor's Degree.  I just need to pray about what major I should go for. 


For me change gets scarier the older I get. 


Thanks for sharing!


I can surely relate! Families can be so --sm
cruel sometimes. I really think that they don't even think about how their actions or lack thereof affect others sometimes, but we sure feel the hurt, don't we? Hugs to you!
I can totally relate to this post.
When I take the kids to the pool in the summer (at home full-time), I feel guilty that I'm not at home typing.  It is totally ridiculous.  I really do like my work and at 37, I am making an effort to try and get out with friends once in a while.  We just moved to a new town and I've met some other Moms, so I've been doing some breakfast meets.  We haven't found a church yet, but I think that's my next step to finding some social moments for myself.  The kids keep me busy, but they are in school all day. 
Relate to many things in your post...
I had a hysterectomy at age 51 and was on tamoxifen at the same time.  My doctor would not prescribe any HRT.  Tried Wellbutrin and herbal remedies without seeing much difference.  I'm now 60 and have just begun to feel "normal."  I am on an antianxiety medication (Xanax) now and probably will be for a long time.  Did have hot flashes so immediate and severe that they would bring on a headache, sweating, lightheadedness, loss of focus, and mood swings--my mood tended to be depressed and anxious rather than angry, although did have much less patience with everything and everyone.  Yes, it certainly does not help when men think we are the only ones affected by hormones!
I certainly can relate! We have the exact same situation!
Especially since our son started working for my husband, he never has to leave the house. We're back to back in our office. Sometimes I say it's better when we're fighting because I get more work done. When we're in a good mood, and gab too much!
I can relate, my mom died 09-2004, so almost 3 years now - sm
and I still miss her terribly. I tear up everytime I think about her, seems to be getting worse lately instead of better. It did not help that dad remarried so fast either (9 months after mom died). My mom was like a sister to me, but a mom too. So much changed when she died. She was only 68, had valve surgery, was doing great and 9 weeks after an infection killed her, she was weeks from getting out of the hospital. She had not been ill before any of this either so that made it doubly hard to deal with. It just plain sucks and I am jealous of those who still have their moms. I hope they know what they have and make the most of it while they can.
Mine are older now, but I can sooo relate (sm)
You're not overreacting, but when you are married into that type of family you have to pick and choose your battles. I would say your daughter is probably safe, your mil is probably being slow and careful (I hope?) but I would ask her to use some of the ear-protective type "earmuff" looking things that block out sound. It is a thin line to tread because they see nothing wrong with this type of lifestyle when it is the opposite of what you would do. Unfortunately you may have a long battle ahead of you because I have. My children are now 8 and 11 and I have been labelled the "overprotective mother" the whole time. Too bad. I do pick and choose my battles with them but if something is unsafe it is unsafe and they will just have to not like you. What are they gonna do, kick you out of the family? lol - I think not. And they have to be nice to you so they get more baby time - use your leverage, but be fair and try to give a little too. Ask yourself it is is truly dangerous before you react - if it is, then don't allow it.
i thought it was very cute and i can definitely relate. thanks for sharing romey! nm
@
I love that and can relate. Betcha have good stories :-) TY! nm
x
I totally relate..my daughter AND my mother are driving me insane.
It's funny you should mention Melodie Beattie as I went online today to look for support groups and someone mentioned that book. When I saw the description of "copendency" it fit my daughter..in EVERY category, and I know that I, of course, fell into the "enabler" category. Between my daughter calling 15 times a day and my mother..I am ready to move away and let someone else deal with them for a while. In a way, my mother is like my daughter..she also calls for money. Ironically, she does not like my daughter because of what my daughter has put me through. Funny how she doesn't realize that she does the same thing..emotional manipulation..guilt trips. I just want to be mentally free from them, and for this, I am getting help. They have drug me into depression, along with them. They are both bipolar and I think I am almost there with them, because one minute I feel so happy and positive..and then they call..and I'm depressed. I pray for strength..Thanks for your kind words. I can't help them anymore but I can save myself.
Definitely boys for me.
nm
23 and 24 with my boys...sm

I used to be able to climb trees and did the iron kids triathelon with them....  


My sister had her child at 42....the only girl outta 7 grandchildren....guess who's grandma's princess?      


oh boys
will be boys!
boys
My son is 15 and I cannot tell you how many interviews and interrogations we have had to go through. Every time he has been on a date the parents want to meet us and see our house, etc. I has been a flipping nightmare, especially since these little flings last about a week and are over after the dance! In my humble opinion, find her something else to do. That is what I have had to do with my son. I just can't take the pain anymore. Join some super busy, mega overly scheduled adult supervised something! Shoo, shoo, mama is working!
I don't think so. I have 2 boys. They have

proven that circumcision can be beneficial for several reasons, not to mention it is more hygienic.  I was conflicted with my first son because my OB/GYN was against it.  She was African-American and I don't know if it was a cultural thing or what.  She did do my son, but she didn't take enough off, it wasn't her decision to make.  My second son I didn't hesitate. 


My mom said that at 8 days she took my brothers to be circumcised - based on the Bible.


I can't see how it would be called abuse.  I think it is personal choice.  I can't tell you how many reports I've done on men over 50 who have had problems and have had to be circumcised. 


Two boys
I have 2 boys; 24 and 19.  The older one moved away to college, the school dropped his program after 2 years, so he floundered and moved back home.  After 6 months told him get a job, pay his bills, go to school or get out.  He went to work FT and paid all his own bills, moved out for a few months with some guys (who did not pay their share of the rent) and then moved back home, went back to college, has made the honor roll for the last year while working, just started in 2009 charging him room and board as he is after all 24.  Other son 19, almost lost him to bad decisions and bad friends at 14-15 but is on the right track now; in college and working PT, pays his bills.  He goes to the community college, looking into a 2+2 program, told him to go away for the last 2 years as he will get the experience of being on his own without being totally on his own.  He has a serious girlfriend. I am more worried about those 2 getting an apartment together first and then him not finishing school.  Older son is working on buying a house within 18 months and younger son will live with him (if not with girlfriend first.)  I have to say I'm looking forward to an empty nest.
While I don't have boys but -sm
two young girls, 9 and 10, for years I would cover for my DH, get the card, mail it to his mom, make him call her on Mother's Day (remind him 50x)....For years when my kids were babies I would get nothing from him, because as he would say, I was not his mother. Well what about those two squirmy kids of ours, I am their mother. I told him he needed to help them and get a card from them to give to me, or help them make me a card, whatever that did not matter. (I have always made sure he got something from the kids on Father's day). The kids have been able to be the ones to remind him now for the last few years about special days, Mother's Day and my birthday which is great. I don't want much, just a card and Happy B or Mom day, just acknowledgement basically. He had some sort of epiphany a year or two ago and now sends his mom flowers every Mom Day and at Christmas, think this was the 3rd one in a row(guilt and belief they are dying coming to bear now, MIL is 74 but doing quite well), still did not send her a card though, figured the card with the flowers was enough. I made him go out an buy the card (instead of me coving his butt as usual). We all signed it and he mailed it. I never missed with my mom and did something every year until she died. She kept ever one of my cards too, found them after she died. ---I would still send your son a card on his birthday but leave the money out, betcha that will grab his attention. ----My DH doesn't remember anyone's birthday, he forgot mine a few times which stunk. I take care of getting the cards, mailing them, etc., though refuse to do Mom day anymore, I still have to nag at him to call his mom, dad on their birthdays, etc. Some guys are just lazy and don't want to be bothered with it.
Two boys.
I have 2 boys and enjoy them immensely. The oldest drives me nuts with some of the decisions he makes. He is funny, easy going, lots of friends and just doesn't take life too seriously.

My youngest is 17. He is very smart, has big plans for college and career (he says, you don't have to understand what it is mom, you just have to pay for it). My regret is that I wish I'd had more kids. I would take a whole house full of boys. So much fun!!
I raised 2 boys on my own.
Maybe some of these techniques that assisted me can do the same for you:

1) Literally write down a list of rules that you want observed in your home. Not what you think you can get him to do but what you actually WANT. Make copies for his bedroom, for the refrigerator, for his billfold, for every room you can. (I printed mine off and framed them in certificate frames and hung them up. Be specific. Cover all areas.)

2) Literally write down behaviors and language you are not going to tolerate and rank them.

2) Literally write down a list of everything that is important to this youngster. Include friends (by name), electronics (iPod, computer, etc.), privileges (telephone, friends coming over, going out, driving), and places he enjoys going (movies, sports events, eating establishments, etc.). Rank these in order of importance to him.

3) If possible, have your husband (separated, correct?) to meet with you first and agree and provide a united front. Agree on what you expect of him as his parents, what is best for his wellbeing. Write down how you will construct discipline and dispense punishment. Make it appropriate, reasonable and, above all, something you will actually do.

5) Have a meeting with your son (and your husband, if he is onboard with you). Give your son a copy of the new rules, the discipline tactics, the unacceptable behaviors and the punishments. Go over each one of them. Don't argue. Don't explain too much. The lists are clear. Everything has a yes/no as to its use and everything has an if with it as well.

Here's the hardest part: Do what you say. If his language is offensive, he can't talk on the phone. Period. No exceptions, period. Even if you have to unplug it and keep the cord in your pocket. Never argue; never raise your voice. Just calmly make your statement and leave it alone. The more he carries on, the more trouble he will incur. Let him handle the stress of it. If you protect him from the consequences of his actions, he will never, ever change and never learn. (Warning: His behavior WILL get worse before it gets better and then it will wax/wane on occasion just to test the waters.)

Stay with him after school in his tutoring. I showed at school one day in high school for my oldest. One day for 2 classes and that was all it ever took. Made the difference with my youngest, too! Neither one wanted me showing up and sitting next to him in class! Be there but let the teacher do the tutoring. Just be there to enforce his attendance and understand what is happening in the sessions.

Praise good/changed behavior but do not reward it. If it is behavior you are wanting to be an expected behavior, praise it, acknowledge it. Reward exceptional behavior that goes beyond what you have set rules for.

Make sure he is involved in his own caretaking: Laundry, specific chores (no pay -- no ma'am, do not pay any child to contribute to their household), help cook one night a week, yard work, etc.

Be watchful of his music, TV watching, movie going. These can have just as devastating of an impact on him as his so-called friends. Make sure you know who his friends' parents are, what they do; do you agree with how they live? How these friends act? If not, restrict his activities with them.

Get him involved in some type of sport he enjoys and into a youth group if at all possible. It is important.

I hope these tips will help you as much as they did me.
my boys are warriors
Both have been deployed at one time or another to Iraq. One is there now. The other boy told me that he had gone to the funeral of one of his brave friends who had been killed. Those horrible people were there from Kansas, but the Harley people were there also, 200 to 300 of them, each holding a flag, protecting the family of the soldier from the disgusting behavior of that supposed church. Made chills go up and down my spine. Can you imagine that many flags in one place being used to protect a family! GO HARLEY WARRIORS!
boys or girl
I have 2 of each (yes 4 in all) and I would defitenly say boys right now. My kids are still young so may be my mind will change with age!
huh? boys much easier? NOT...NM
     
Boys do go through stages.
On the other hand, depression can come out as anger.

I think mothers are supposed to help their kids understand their feelings and talk to them, but it can be difficult to get boys to express themselves.

It's think it's a normal stage to go through for boys to just be annoyed by girls because girls are so talkative and different, sometimes dating-obsessed or gossip-obsessed or whatever, and for a boy it's annoying.

Maybe he doesn't enjoy competing with a girl who is older.

I think he would rather spend time with boys right now, but boys need something to do together so they stay out of trouble.

But he needs to realize that he doesn't really hate girls. He just doesn't enjoy the different developmental stages they go through. And your daughter might benefit from knowing how males' brains work - that guys don't admire girls who are obsessed about stuff they think is silly.

Just some thoughts. Parenting is hard, but respect for siblings should be taught, and some space from each other can go a long way.
That's for sure and something I hear over and over. Boys
s
To me it always seems to be harder on the boys (sm)
My husband are like that - oil and water for sure. We just can hardly stand to live together anymore. We have been trying to stay together for the kids for years.

How did affect you and your sister?? Would it have been better if they had stayed together or was it just a bad situation either way? I feel like I am choosing the lesser of the evils.
My boys had to pay me twice as much as their tickets sm
If the ticket was 50.00, they had to pay me 100.00, too. No ifs, ands or buts. Didn't have to take away the keys. This worked every time. They are all good drivers now. None of the speed.
The first of my new boys has arrived. (sm)

Introducing Teddy!  He's a Schipperke mix, only about 20 lb.  He has a tail, which is very cute and curled, but he's hiding it.  I'm new at photographing black dogs, but I think it turned out okay for a first try.  He's already had a bath and flea treatment with Frontline Plus, because we're in the South and he had fleas. 


 


Here is a picture of our 3 boys - SM
Max, Scooter, and Bailey
For those of you with teenage boys
I just wanted to share this.  Yesterday my 16 yo son said to me, "Mom we should make some Christmas cookies."  My older 2 aren't home from college yet so it is just he and I.  I bought all the colored sugars, we put on Xmas music and he helped me make the dough, cut out the cookies and decorate them.  I share this only because if you have a teenage son you know this is highly unusual when what they really want is to hang out with their friends and play loud music and talk about girls!  It really touched me that we  had this special time together.  I am blessed to have him for a son. 
That's the other thing my boys want

--- a tattoo.  I told them they could get the airbrush ones at the beach this summer.  They're saving up.  No permanent ones until they're 18 and they can pay for it.


My sister got one in high school and my parents never knew it until years later.  They were still po'ed.  My fear with real tattoos is hepatitis.  Again, if they're going to do it (which we all know they will), better to have it done professionally.


As a mom of 2 boys, now older,
who played baseball and hockey, do your son a favor and refrain from making a scene. It's embarrassing for him and puts such a negative tone on the game for all the kids. Be the better person, take the higher ground, keep your mouth closed and realize this should be fun for the KIDS.
Why boys need parents...
This is for those mother's of boys, sisters of boys, and boys that have grown older and anyone else who needs a laugh.
11 year old boys
I am in the same boat. My son does all the things yours is doing right now. Right down to the shower. I am not sure if your son is, but my son has OCD (obsessive complusive disorder)this is worse when he is stressed. He was diagnosed at the age of 3, no he is not on meds and I have used behavior modification for him. Yes the modification works just as well without the harmful side effects of a drug.

I can pass on a few things I have found that work. Only make an issue out of things that can hurt himself or others. Like the hair, yep in the eyes is a pain, but it will not hurt him or anyone and he has control of that. Clothes are the same way, again this is something that at 11 he has control of. I think that is what he is frustrated about. Everything seems out of his control to him. So he is 11 and is stressed and crying is his way right now of letting things out. By allowing him to have control over the smaller things, maybe that will put things into perspective for him again.

Good luck I hope I have helped you in some way.
On boys and Gardasil

I have thought the same thing before, about it being only for females, and found that in Australia it is also available for males.  IMHO, promiscuity is certainly not exclusive to males, but I believe it is more common (at least it used to be), so seems like they are the ones that are more culpable for the spreading of HPV.  It's the whole playboy generation gone wild.


Also, just heard a few days ago about HPV being a cause of oral cancer.  Wondered how long it would take them to make the link.


I live in Georgia and had not heard that it is mandatory for females here, but read that most states that are considering mandatory inoculation and have introduced a bill also have an "opt out" clause.


If I had a daughter or daughters, I do not think that I would be rushing out to have them inoculated.


Both my boys have tracfones..........sm
or at least until the youngest lost his, LOL.

My oldest son's tracfone has texting capabilities but I don't know if all of them do. His is Motorola flip phone. I don't know the number on it, but it is thin and black.

The minutes don't expire as long as you purchase and redeem air time cards when they are due. Hope this helps.
I have 2 tuxedo boys and they
are my loves. Brothers, 1 looks like he ate the house (22 lbs) and his brother not far behind him. You certainly have a good looking guy and I am sure he will give you so much love. Our furries are so special to us and we to them.
In your opinion, do you think boys can have

a Hope Chest also?  Watching my kids this Christmas and with one getting ready to graduate high school, I realized they will be starting out with nothing.  I have 2 boys and wondered if a "Hope Chest" would be appropriate. 


What would you include?  (in removing the Christmas Tree this year, I am packing the oldest's ornaments he has collected over the years for him to have on his first Christmas Tree next year).


Bittersweet!


Is anyone here the mother of little boys?

I cannot possible take one more man bashing post on this board.  How is it possible that no one loves or raises, or takes care of an honorable little or big man in their life!


I have met my share of scum bags, truly disgusting human beings that were women and men and find it appalling that one half of our species would be villified to absolve the other of any adult responsibilities or obligations.