An Adventure at the Beach
Taking three teenage boys to the beach is quite the adventure and something I bravely undertook last week. For the most part the boys kept busy swimming and playing football on the beach. However, every time a teenage girl would walk by all you could hear was, “Hi, my friend thinks you’re beautiful, can he get your number?” This was clearly the pick up line for the day.
The response was almost always a dirty look. After watching this for a while, I suggested to the boys that they try a different approach that might help them get more than just nasty looks. Did I do the right thing? Well, I feel as though teaching my teen to be respectful of women and not so forward is the right thing to do. Therefore, I suggested saying, ” Hi, How are you?”
I told them this sounds better than lashing out with, “Can I get your phone number?” Was it corny to suggest this? I often wonder about the best way to handle these situations? On one hand I want to teach my son respect, but other times I wonder if maybe I should just stay out of it. I’m not really sure which is best, but I know for a fact what they were doing at first didn’t seem to work.
They tried my approach and the girls stuck around to watch them play football. I guess offering up some advice wasn’t so bad after all. Our ride home from the beach was yet another crazy teen moment. Every time we would pass someone in the car, the boys thought it was funny to make faces and noises. Drove me crazy! They quickly knocked it off after my parent voice projected out. Wow, it made me think back to my teen years and I remember being in the car and screaming out the window. Back then I thought it was funny and cool. How immature and now to think my son is acting the same way. Reality check………
Stupid, teenagers like me don’t need parents like you to teach them manners or to be respectful, I have those qualities and I learned them when I was a kid. Leave your teenage boy alone, he will learn by himself, teens like me in high school are too old for that, just show authority, not quidence, we’re not retarded, remember that, unless your son is retarded, then I don’t see the point, stop obsessing over your son.
Angela, you have issues.
Hi Dave, My name is Tia and I wrote this blog. I respect everyone’s outlook on the blogs I write. I try to be open minded due to the fact many of us have different thoughts and feelings on different issues. I stand strong and firm with the fact that my son will learn how to respect women. Thank you for your comment. Take Care, Tia
Your advice certainly sounded right on to me, and since the girls wound up sticking around to watch your son and his friends play football, I guess that proves the validity of what you had to say.
Hi Steve, Thanks for agreeing with me! Respect is a very important value in life. I try to do my best making sure my son is most respectful. Thanks Again, Tia
Learning the value of respect and sensibility in all situations is never relegated to specifics, it is necessary whenever the need arises. It’s our responsibility to our kids. Way to go Tia!
Thanks Bill, I totally agree!