Parenting

I don't understand parents. I know that I am a parent and I must admit that sometimes I do not understand the words that come out of my mouth even as I say them. In many ways, parenting is like an out of body experience. It does not come with specific instructions at the hospital, but I do think there are some simple truths that cannot be ignored.

Do not let your children smell. Bathing your child or making sure that your child takes a bath is crucial. Don't you remember how awful it was when Adam Sandler realized he had let his son become the smelly kid in Big Daddy. I had a kid come into group last week that smelled so bad that I could hardly stay in the room. I just don't understand how that happens. I am sure there will come a time when I will have to turn the hose on my son, but rest assured, I will do it. I just can't understand how she could even bear to ride in the car with that and it is winter, so don't tell me she had the windows down. How hard is it to make sure they wash? It is for the good of everyone and that includes you.

Don't ignore the obvious. I cannot tell you how many times I have a parent try to tell me they are still not sure if anything is wrong after their kid was put out of school, touched others and punched them in the face. One mother who has such clear deficits that an accounting major could have diagnosed him asked me it I thought it was something that he would "just grow out of" or "normal teenage stuff". How many people does your kid have to touch before you think he might be having an issue? Why would everyone be lying? Just get it fixed. It is more embarrassing to see them on the news in 10 years than it will be to get him or her therapy now.

Uh oh... the boss of my house just woke up.

I will have to get back to this later.