Wednesday, October 21, 2009

let's just say

Let's just say you had a 14 year old freshman football player and he had seminary in the middle of the day. And then, let's just say you got an email from his seminary teacher saying that he wasn't there on Friday, October 9, which was, in fact, a half day. So you called the seminary teacher and said "are you sure he wasn't there? Maybe he walked in late because I know he was at school that day". And they said "no, we're pretty sure he wasn't here". So when this 14 year old gets home from school, you ask him about the incident and he says "no mom, I was there..we sang hymn 19 and took a scripture mastery quiz". All the while sounding oh so convincing. So you say "well, I'll just call him tomorrow and make sure you turned that quiz in and that he has a grade for you and then he'll know you were there". So you both agree that that's a good way to prove he was in class and go on about your night. Later in the evening, the family sits down for scripture study and before we begin, you read them the words to a hymn...one of your favorites actually..."did you think to pray?" Oh, how praying rests the weary!! Prayer will change the night to day. So when life gets dark and dreary, Don't forget to pray.
Then you send them to bed and remind them to say their personal prayers. Let's just say about 10 minutes later, that same 14 year old kid comes down, sits next to you, and says Mom, can I talk to you? Of course you say yes, because, how often does a 14 year old want to talk to Mom, right? And he proceeds to tell you that he did in fact miss seminary that day. Because his little football friends (all freshman) wanted to see what it would be like to be swept and what a better day than a half day to try it because then they would only be in there for 20 - 25 minutes (roughly). Of course, he didn't want to do it but he let himself fall to peer pressure (yeah, right!). You tell him how falling to peer pressure is a sign of weakness and that he is a leader, then you tell him that you are proud of him for telling the truth and ask him if it feels better to have that weight off of his shoulders now that he doesn't have to worry about being caught or having to lie anymore...to which he smiles and shyly chuckles and says "yeeeesssss!! Mom stop!! You're making me laugh!" (Because you say things in a silly way so that you can see him smile). And then you tell him that he's still your superstar and you will advise him of his consequence tomorrow and send him to bed but not before making him tell his father the truth too.
So let's just say that was the situation...what consequence would you give?
being swept - when you are late for class, and have been locked out, security sweeps up all of the students in the halls and takes them to some classroom where they sit and do nothing..no talking. (because we all know that's a lot more productive then letting them in to class a little late and to actually learn something and just giving them a tardy!!)

7 comments:

Marie said...

Make him sing Hymn #19 as a special number in church. Just kidding.
I don't know, but please tell us what the consequence ends up being so I can know what to do when the time comes:)

Anonymous said...

make him go out to the yard and pick the branch you're going to beat him with...worked for me.

The Weights said...

that's a tough one! I am no expert parent, especially since I don't have teens. But I think a big part of his punishment was the guilt he felt before he told you the truth. If he is a good kid, who has never really done anything like this before then go easy on him. He will hopefully be more likely to tell the truth in later situations. You are such an awesome mom! I already think about having teenagers someday and it scares me! Good luck!

SBrooks said...

You are a good detective. Way to go Mom!

Janika said...

Something still doesn't make sense. Why would they skip seminary to get in trouble at school--not just risk the chance of getting in trouble doing something fun, but just trying to get in trouble. Now that some time has passed, maybe you should ask some more questions.

Anonymous said...

me encanta su familia, conocí a su esposo en la misión, soy la hermana peña, y me encantaria Tener Noticas de ustedes, mi correo es marcia.p.z @ hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

mi correo es
 marcia.pz @ hotmail.com
 antes lo escribí mal, Disculpeme.
Aun no tengo hijos en edad de seminario, mi hijo tiene 12 años y alcalde Aunque es un buen niño creo que muchas veces las amistades lo pueden llevar por un mal camino, es mejor estar atento para que eso no pase, es muy complicado Tener hijos adolescentes casi no me gustaria que crecieran pero es la ley de la vida ¿verdad? espero que mis hijos Tengan la oportunidad de contarme lo que les pasa y sobre todo que sean sabios en tomar buenas Decisiones ........ marcia