Eddy Haskell

My daughter has a friend. He is Eddy Haskell. No, his real name is not Eddy Haskell, but he is an “Eddy Haskell.” Eddy Haskell was a character on a black and white T.V. show called "Leave it to Beaver." He came across to unknowing parents on the show as the perfect teen: well groomed and almost sickeningly polite to adults. However, the viewers knew better: Eddy was not a good teen. Eddy was always up to no good as soon as the adults turned their back. My daughter’s friend is the same way. He is perfectly put together and says all the right things at the right time. But I have caught snippets of conversations when I have walked into the room. I am wise because of the “Beave.” This friend is Eddy. While the Cleaver’s were stereotypes of an American family that never existed, our kids are familiar with Eddy Haskell who is now a reoccurring character at our family dinners.

My Son, Facebook and Dr. Suess

My son added me as a friend on his facebook. I told him that I respect his privacy and that he did not have to add me. Why do I have a facebook anyway ? I told him he could "de-friend" me anytime and I that would not be offended (I might be). While not everything on his site passed the parent whiff test, one item stuck out. He posted a quote by Dr. Seuss: Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. I did not know he was listening to the 45th reading of Green Eggs and Ham when I read it to him 15 years ago. Small act, big Result.

Tailgating Teens

Teens and Tailgating before concerts is becoming routine.  Beware.  In Connecticut, Teens arrested for possession of alcohol on public or private property will face a stiff fine and loss of their license. For teens who are not drinking but who still want to participate in the party here are three tips:

1.    Move On - The law regarding alcohol is about possession, not consumption.  If you are at a tailgate where there is alcohol, you will likely be arrested whether or not you have been drinking.

2.   Move On - Fireworks injury hundreds of bystanders every year.  When the rockets come out it is time to get out.

3.   Move On - Violence erupts often without warning.  If you feel tempers rising and anxiety brewing, it might be time to go into the show rather than become part of someone else's drama.

Mr. Rogers

I loved Mr. Rogers on PBS. Recently I found myself coming home and working. When my teens came to me to tell me about a band or friend, I barely looked up from my screen. I was doing important work right? Then Mr. Rogers popped into my head. Where did he come from ? Since then, when I come home, I take off my work shoes, put on my sneakers and I am trying to do the real work of being present for my teens.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]