Mr. Fix-it is traveling for work lately. A lot. Which is okay from a safety standpoint because I have an alarm, two dogs and a gun (just kidding)(maybe not)(I'm channeling Kate and I cannot stop myself). It is not that okay from a parenting standpoint. Or, more specifically, from a parenting teenagers standpoint.
The thing is that when the kids were little and he traveled I was pretty much superwoman. I truly never felt overwhelmed. I was a one-woman parenting show and I was on fire. You really should have seen me.
But . . . wiping noses and bottoms and drying tears from falls and putting on bandaids and managing over-tired toddler tantrums cannot compare to eye-rolling, back-talking and smart-mouthing.
The PS3 is on indefinite lockdown and text-messaging is a distant memory for my teen angels (NOT). Watch TV? Hahahahahaha. MySpace? Hahahahahahaha.
This smackdown goes to the toddlers. Big time. Pray for me. Or maybe them. I'm too annoyed to make sense.
Sounds like it was a rough day (or night?). I hope things destress for you soon.
David's gearing up for conference/travel season. I am definitely not supermom... and infinitely glad when he gets back.
Posted by: mandy | January 22, 2009 at 01:31 AM
Events from the past few days with "my teenagers" have made me want to adopt emergency measures far more severe than the ones you're employing.... I share your anger and frustration!
Posted by: allmycke | January 22, 2009 at 01:51 AM
You ARE scaring me for my future. I hope this storm is brief. And those kids...too cute for words.
Posted by: JCK | January 22, 2009 at 02:00 AM
Ah but they grew from toddlerhood to teens way too quickly. This too shall pass.
Posted by: HIlary | January 22, 2009 at 07:18 AM
I couldn't wait to read this one. Now you have me petrified of single parenthood. Great! Just kidding, Sort of.
When Brian traveled incessantly when the boys were 2-4, I had it DOWN. I was so good at it, that when he did come home, I lost my groove.
I can see how toddlers would win this battle.
KEEP BELIEVING
Posted by: Angie @ KEEP BELIEVING | January 22, 2009 at 07:54 AM
I love you...you know that...but today...I'm not humored at all by your post. Usually I come here and I get all warm and fuzzy feelings and I go away feeling so much better...today? no. not so much as I have my own eye-rolling, back-talking, smart-mouthing to deal with...from a 10-year-old and his 6-year-old "shadow". This is not good.
Shall we meet somewhere in the middle of here and there for drinks? I'm thinking that would be Hawaii...see you Sunday? :-D
Posted by: debbie | January 22, 2009 at 08:04 AM
I didn't mind Andy traveling so much when I was working. The boys were accounted for and I got to be relatively normal during my work hours. But now that I'm home (and facing *the entire month of April* alone), I fear for my sanity.
I find myself respecting more and more the work of the single mom. I can not imagine having someone to tag team with.
Posted by: Manic Mommy | January 22, 2009 at 08:06 AM
Two year olds backtalk too. You just can't understand them. Luckily.
Good luck!
Posted by: jenrantsraves | January 22, 2009 at 08:15 AM
I'm Sorry.
They sense weakness, and divide and conquer is their favorite tactic, to my understanding anyway. I'll be joining you in a few months, with a teen and a toddler. Pray for me too.
Posted by: MJ | January 22, 2009 at 08:20 AM
I hear ya - hit them where it hurts. Right in the text messaging.
Have a great day!
Posted by: blognut | January 22, 2009 at 08:23 AM
I am holding you all in the light. (And I'm grateful that all I have is a puppy who jumps and chews a lot and two old dogs on whom she can focus much of that energy).
Posted by: Prof. J. | January 22, 2009 at 09:17 AM
Yes, some things ARE much easier with toddlers...'cause they are still learning how to act. Teens? they SHOULD know how to act...but then again, they have huge attitudes too. :)
good luck.
It warms my heart to know that yours are NOT perfect either.
take care,
suz
Posted by: Suzanne | January 22, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Good luck.
I was the maddest I've ever been at my 18 year old this weekend.
Posted by: Smalltown Mom | January 22, 2009 at 10:30 AM
I feel your pain Jenn. My husband is working at his new job in Colorado, and he comes home every other weekend. Which has basically left me as a single mom of two teenage girls and one six year-old who thinks she's a teenager. I think the hardest thing for me is when the older two are out...I'm always nervous until everyone is home. Or when the 14 year-old gives me attitude, which is like every day of her life.
But I'll take the teens over the toddlers any day. Toddlers are far too labor-intensive. I like kids who can wipe their own noses and butts, tie their own shoes, and who actually have homework, not "momwork." I like kids that you can actually have a conversation with (even if they are rolling their eyes.) Hang in there...there are always "those days." You know, when you want to kill them.
Posted by: Shelley | January 22, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Oh no. This sounds mighty hard!!!
Posted by: CC | January 22, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Once again I thank God my kids are grown. Now all I have to contend with is failed romances and empty pocket books.
Posted by: Gladys | January 22, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Good luck--that single parenting is a tough gig. I'm always glad when Mr. D isn't on the road.
Posted by: green girl | January 22, 2009 at 12:52 PM
When they were toddlers they went to bed at 8 PM, that gave me a little peace each day. Now? I have to fight to stay awake waiting for them to come home and I find it EXHAUSTING.
Posted by: Fannie | January 22, 2009 at 12:57 PM
You send me yours, I'll send you mine and we'll have them BEGGING to go back home. heh-heh. Blogging moms UNITE!
Posted by: The Girl Next Door | January 22, 2009 at 01:19 PM
I LOVE lockdowns. Can I play?
Posted by: Suzy | January 22, 2009 at 02:41 PM
At some point they go from being "awwww so cute" to being "grrrrrr teens". My son is not bad at all, excpet in the morning. Dancing Daughter is another story. I pretty much treat her like I did when she was a toddler... a)I ignore her (not really) b)I acknowledge her pain and let her get it all out. c) I give her a cookie.
I'm exaggerating, kinda! Good luck!
Posted by: imom | January 22, 2009 at 03:14 PM
Curse you, Hormones! CURSE YOU!!
Posted by: Kristin | January 22, 2009 at 04:04 PM
Suddenly, my working outside the home full-time sounds like a dream vacation!
I'm sorry, Jenn. I hope it passes quickly!
Posted by: Baby Favorite | January 22, 2009 at 05:11 PM
Two heads definately are better than one, where teens are concerned. Hang in there! Show some fangs!
Posted by: phd in yogurtry | January 22, 2009 at 06:14 PM
They're so cute though..............
Tomorrow will be a better day and in the end they'll love you all the more for caring enough. It's easier with backup though.
Posted by: Deb D | January 22, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Just lock em in a closet for a few years...
Posted by: Talina | January 22, 2009 at 10:36 PM
I was going to say what The Girl Next Door said. Round robin, maybe? I think it might be the phase of the moon, as teen trouble seems epidemic. I've found the mantra, "Do not engage" to be helpful. And imagining them wearing diapers.
Posted by: Kalynne Pudner | January 23, 2009 at 12:32 AM
Mine is 6 going on 16 and and the eye rolling, stomping and sighing has pushed my last nerve AND the one after that. But, I told him that in a battle of wills, I'm bigger (for now anyway) and I will win. Now I just need to keep reminding myself that!
Posted by: Melanie @ MelADramatic Mommy | January 23, 2009 at 01:20 AM
Oh, Jenn, I'm sorry it's been rough. I *do* know the feeling; geographical single parenting sucks almost as much as the other kind.
Just chant this mantra -- "Grandchildren are the reward for not strangling your teenagers" -- while you are holding their electronic toys hostage!
And remind yourself how Grown-up Girl has turned into a wonderful young woman.
**I like Kalynne's suggestion: "imagining them wearing diapers." LOL
Posted by: kcinnova | January 23, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Wish the best of luck for you!
Happy blogging,
Toddler Safety
Posted by: kotakeripik | January 24, 2009 at 12:19 AM
I always love these glimpses of what is ahead... Oy.
Posted by: Just Jamie | January 24, 2009 at 06:43 PM
You are a woman after my own heart.
Posted by: suburbancorrespondent | January 25, 2009 at 07:06 PM