Mommage

Babies Having Babies

I didn't realize how much controversy my post on the pregnancy pact in Massachusetts would cause.  Nor, frankly, was I prepared for the comments that insisted that the media and everyone else was blowing things out of proportion and that LOADS of teens make good moms.

Some said I was overly harsh, judgmental and that I wanted Jamie Lynn Spears to fail.  The truth is, she doesn't need my rooting against her ~ had she and her sister had decent role models they might not be the train wrecks they've become.  I'm just watching for JLS to follow in her sister's footprints.

As has become my trademark, let's take a look at  recent event in the news this week that underscore just how good some of these teen moms are.  /sarcasm.

Homeschooling

There were many times I considered homeschooling my son, not because I thought it was better, but only because I felt he wasn't learning enough in the classroom due to his behavioral problems.  Every time I came close to making a final decision, however, things would improve at school causing me to change my mind.  Two things bothered me about the idea of homeschooling.  One was the lack of social interaction, and the other was the fact that I am not a teacher and am not qualified to teach.

Apparently I'm not the only one concerned about a parent's lack of teaching expertise.

Way To Go, Jamie Lynn Spears

I had just finished and posted today's Mommage post when I saw a teaser for it on the Today Show.

An unknown number of teenage girls in Gloucester, Massachusetts formed a "pregnancy pact" and seventeen thus far have gotten pregnant.  They got pregnant on purpose and have pledged to raise their children together.  When informed of being pregnant, they responded with high-fives and tears of joy.

One of the teenagers got pregnant by a 24-year old homeless man. 

Better Living Through Chemistry

Apparently I'm glowing.

It's quite noticeable and people at the office have commented on it.  There's rampant speculation as to whether there's a new man in my life and what it is that is causing me to be so incredibly happy this week.

I'll let you in on the secret and the reason ~ I haven't had a fight with my teenager since last Saturday.

I'm Outta Here!

Laundry's done.  Bought soda and snacks.  Gotta stop tonight and pick up cat food, fill up the gas tank, and get the car washed and then I am on my way tomorrow morning, just as early as I can. 

Are you traveling this weekend for Memorial Day?  I decided the family (mostly meaning me, of course) needed a get-away so I booked us into a four-star lodge on the edge of a national forest for some much needed R & R.  I can feel the tension of everyday life starting to take hold in my upper back, below my shoulders, so I know it's time to do something about it.

You better watch out, brown trout, because I am coming for YOU!

'Tis the Season to be Proud!

Reading the letters on Planetfeedback
from Rene F., Suzanne S. and Michelle G. reminded me that graduation season is upon us once again.  Kids everywhere from kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school and college will be taking that monumental step to the next level of their lives.  The next few weeks will be filled with invitations, reservations, flowers, balloons, photos, parties and gifts, and will create memories for families that will never be forgotten.

I have a few memories of my own going as far back as kindergarten... my kindergarten!

A Tragic End For Megan

Teenager Megan Meier committed suicide after being rejected on MySpace by a boy  named Josh Evans.

Except there was no boy.  Lori Drew, a mother herself, created a profile on the social networking page posing and posting as the 16 year old boy to woo Megan and then ultimately dump her.   After dozens of cruel messages, the final one to Megan (sent apparently by someone other than Drew), told Megan that the world would be a better place without her.  Megan (who was only 13) was devastated and hanged herself in her bedroom.  Now Drew is charged with federal crimes of conspiracy and accessing protected computers to obtain information to inflict emotion distress.  In short, cyberbullying.

Introducing the newest type of helicopter parents.

Someone to Watch Over Me

Pamela is pretty steamed. She discovered nearly $300 worth of phone calls on her recent bill and, worse yet, found out her son made them.

I'd be steamed too but not for the same reason as Pamela. She's mad at the 900 company (or the phone company. It's hard to tell) for not waiving the bill; I'd be upset at the culprit.

Baby You Can Drive My Car (Part 2)

It's official.  My son now has his driver's permit.  He studied the manual, knows the rules, and passed the test.  So he must be ready to drive, right?  Well, not really.  He's lacking the one thing that can't be learned from a manual or test, and that is understanding the risks of driving and the experience gained from practice, practice, practice.  Okay, that's two things, but you know what I mean.

Money Talks

Sex, politics, and religion: we've always been told these are the big bugaboo topics, never to be discussed in mixed comany. But there is one other topic that seems to be the silent partner on this list, particularly when it comes to parents and children.

Money.