Open House

Parents honestly have no idea what is going on with their children. I'm convinced of it. Open House just affirmed it. These were a couple of my favorites from last night:

"Why isn't he turning in his homework?"
"Is he living up to his potential?"
"How can I get her to study?"

Okay, seriously, guys. My other favorite is when I'm talking to the parents on the phone or in person and they say, "I just don't know what to do with him/her. (Imagine fretting, wringing hands at this point.) He/she just won't do anything I tell him/her to, and I don't know how to discipline him/her." Well, let me get ahold of your child! Oh, that's right, you won't let me! I'd be happy to beat some sense into your child. Grow up, parents! Be PARENTS. Take away privileges, ground your child, spank him! It's really okay. (For the record, I'm not talking abuse, just good old-fashioned discipline.) When did the child become the one ruling the household? Hayden will never doubt our love for him, but he'll also know what the hand to his backside feels like. He won't dictate to us what will and won't happen (and if you're going to say, "Oh just wait til he gets here, blah, blah, blah, please don't. I'm saying that as nicely as I can. We are the adults, the parents, not our son.) Okay, so I feel somewhat better. Please don't be offended. I'm just so sick of parents getting upset with me over what THEY can control! Sigh. Better now.