I'm a mom who believes in natural consequences. I'm also a mom who is trying to teach modesty. Yes, even for boys.
This morning we were all working on chores. My oldest son (12), Wes is out back mowing the lawn. He's got no shirt on.
Me: "Wes, get a shirt on"
Wes: "It's too hot"
I go back to cleaning out the garage. We were all going to meet up in the kitchen to clean. We get our chores outside done and go into the kitchen. There's Wes without a shirt on still. Hmmmm, I think to myself. How can I teach this kid modesty?
ok seriously guys- It bothers me to see grown men outside working without a shirt on- call me weird but that's who I am. So yes, I'm trying to impose my belief system on my sons.
So we meet up in the kitchen, all of us. I'm busy doing the dishes with Ashlyn beside me, Wes sweeping and mopping the floor- still without a shirt on and a great idea comes to mind! The idea is instantly repulsive and I think to myself........no, I could never do that! But oh yes, I can do that! Wes leaves to go get some cleaning rags. Yeah- you got it! I take off my shirt- yep! Clear down to my nothin's. I'm stark naked from my waist up doing the dishes.
Ashlyn: "MOM!!! What the heck are you doing?!!!"
Me: "making a point"
Tyler: "Oh my gosh!"
Caleb: says nothing but tries to divert his eyes
Wes walks in and doesn't immediately notice my naked state and all of a sudden...... it hits him!
Wes: "OH MOM!!!" and quickly turns his head and walks immediately into the laundry room and puts on a shirt!
Me: "I was hot today while I was washing the dishes so I decided to get cooled off. Must be ok if you do it"
Wes: "hmmmm" shaking his head.
WHAT A DISCOVERY! I was secretly sweating it the whole time hoping that nobody walks by in the backyard since I was backyard facing! Yes, me, an ex RS pres!
It worked!
Let me be clear..... I was in a position where my kids did not see a frontal view.
I have a friend who has a 12 year old daughter who is experimenting with makeup. She puts on way too much black on her eyes (in my friend's opinion). I wonder how she would take it if you came down one morning with as much makeup on as she puts on! Try it!
Oh I love being a mom!
1 week ago
8 comments:
You are a brave woman! I love that he caught on so quickly.
OK, you've got me laughing! I am impressed that you followed your "mother's intuition" so precisely. You are an example to us all!
Go Lou! I sure wish I could have seen that one. I'm certain I'd have had a good laugh.
I'm all for showing them what they look like. Remember when our brothers used to do the male scratch? They quickly stopped when we sisters started the scratch as well. Seems it's O.K. until they see a woman doing what they do - then it becomes icky.
I don't know if I'm laughing more at your post or Jodi's comment. This makes me love you more than ever, Lezlie!
That is a crackup! I'm laughing a bit too hard right now. What a great mother moment, I hope I never forget that one!
I totally love it! Wow you are brave to do it in front of your sons. I did the same lesson for my girls a couple of years ago and it has still stuck in their minds. Your Awesome! I am so proud of you.
okay so i hope you don't mind me blog surfing all the way over here and peeping in on your life, since i already did it--but you are the freakin' coolest mom! seriously--how else could you get a point and case across that fast??
well done little missy! you've got guts!
Oh my goodness... That is awesome. I would never have the guts to do it. What an idea though. My girls need a modesty lesson. You ROCK...
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