Less Than Supportive

Today it happened.  I think I may have snapped.  Not in the "cable-TV movie-of-the-week" kind of snapped, but I think I just about lost it with my kids today.

The Boy has a very active social life.  Generally I encourage this as it keep him from melting his brain from the inside out over the computer or video games he loves so much.  But today, he tells me that he and his friend, Zeb, are going to 7 Peaks (a popular water park about 40 minutes away).

"How are you getting there?" I ask, responsibly.

"Well, I have my own money," he retorts, hopelessly.

"No, how are you getting to Provo to go to 7 Peaks?" I challenge him.

"Well, you can take us."

"Yes, I CAN but maybe I don't want to.  In fact, all of Provo is under construction at the moment and I hate driving  through all that."

"We're staying until it closes.  It closes at 8," he volunteers.

"Uh, no.  I am NOT driving to Provo.  I hate driving in Provo."

Here I ran The Girl up to work, so left him and his buddies still communicating and formulating a plan--unbeknownst to me.

Upon reentry to the tension filled kitchen, I asked in a very calm tone of voice, "How come you didn't offer to pay some of your money to Dad for your football registration, if you have so much money you can go to 7 Peaks?"

He responded with "Dad didn't ask me."

Now I could feel my neck becoming redder and redder.  So I ventured "And didn't Coach say this morning at swim practice that you were dog-tired and really slow, complaining of your sore throat and not wanting to do the workout?  Maybe you are too sick to go."

"Well, I wasn't that tired, and I really am feeling much better already.  See?"

Now I began to feel that maybe it would be safer for his well being if I DID take them to Provo just for the distance that would put between us this afternoon.

"How would you guys get home if I did drive you to 7 Peaks? Could Zeb's mom or dad pick you guys up?" I inquired.

"Well,  Alex is there with his family and we could ride home with them.  That is who Zeb was going to go with before, but then he decided to go to weight lifting instead at 10."

"Have you asked Alex's mom if you can get a ride home with Alex and his family?"

"Well, I can text him."

Oh for the love of Pete!  Who's child is this?!  Hearing this much of the conversation, you may be thinking--No, don't let him go, and don't you dare give in and drive him to Provo.  Stand your ground!

Conversely, the thought in my head at this point was, if he doesn't go, I may go postal!

Needless to say, he got his way.  I drove them to Provo and told them to call me if they had any problems.  The place was so packed (it is the hottest day of the year, today) it took me twenty minute to get out of the parking lot.

He owes me, I tell you.