As a disclaimer, I do love my children more than anything else. They are beautiful, intelligent at times very giving children who are entering their teens (which I think negates all of a child's normally good qualities).
While my hubby is away defending our country from enemies foriegn and domestic, I am playing the part of a single mother to three boys. All under 12. All ADHD. And two Great Danes...and a cat....and fish that die on a regular basis. I suspect there are quite a few other critters that live in the yard and house, but I am also playing the part of Cleopatra and don't want to know about them.
I reflect on my life, and while I love my hubby more than anything, if I were a single parent I could at least move closer to my folks and have their support. I am fortunate also to have the best friend in the world who has bailed my ass out on more than one occasion with giving help with the kids and dogs.
Last week was the worst by far. The twins, teetering on the edge of adolescent were exhibiting attitude that would make a pitbull proud. I should have just sent them to opposite ends of the yard to pee on a tree and mark their territory. I have come to the conclusion that the only way for a parent to sanely survive the teens is duct tape. Lots of it.
I had reached the point that I surfed the net looking for Military Academies. I found quite a few, but was mockingly disappointed to discover that none of them employ caning or lashes for disciplinary measures. I do like the idea of an hour spent marching to work off a demerit. If nothing else my kids would be EXTREMELY fit after a year.....
I take it back, I shouldn't raise dogs either, maybe dust bunnies would be the most peaceful option...