So, my sixteen year old son got his first speeding ticket.
Before you judge, know that he was reprimanded sufficiently and that he will be paying the fine. And that the ticket was reduced to a defective vehicle violation.
He also beat himself up about it more than sufficiently, as he was clearly upset and remorseful. Days later, as his remorse continued, I decided that the best way to make him feel better about the whole thing would be to begin recounting my litany of violations and mistakes with regard to automobiles when I was young. I was on a roll and my stories kept getting better and better.
As the words rushed out of my mouth at full speed, MacGyver looked at me puzzled, as if wondering why I thought this was a good idea. But I didn’t get the hint.
Then at some point, thank goodness, I realized that I needed to shut my mouth. But … as it is on many occasions … it was too late. I have only my lack of caffeine that morning to blame for this lapse in judgement. Duh.
Ever realized you needed to shut your mouth when it was too late?
life on wry 
Good Post
Thanks for checking it out and for your note!
Yes, something about drug culture at college in Boston in the ’60s. I may have provided just a small amount more information than was necessary.
Lol! Have I ever realized that I should have shut my mouth before I spoke? *Thinks*… YES! On too many occasions, I believe. Loved your post and loving your blog. Happy blogging! 😀
So glad you came by!
I have awarded you with the WordPress Family Award! Please check out my post to receive the award http://wrestling-life.com/2013/04/24/wordpress-family-award/ This is a NO pressure nomination. You don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to. I just wanted you to know that I am pleased to have you as part of my blogging world!
It sounds like your son is very sensitive. And you obviously know that about him. There’s nothing worse than beating yourself up. The negative self talk can be so damaging. And that goes for you too! You tried to comfort your son, and tell him that he was not alone. And he needed to hear that. And he knows his mom. You were just being genuine with him. Sounds like you’re doing just fine.
Thanks for your support!
Oh dear – I do this all the time! I know I shouldn’t but we do it to make the kids feel a little more ‘normal’ when they’re feeling like they’ve done the worst thing in the world! 😉
One of the dangers of sharing stories about things you did as a teenager with your kids is they think it gives them a license to do even more outrageously stupid things than we ever dreamed of. When questioned about their bad choices and poor behavior they justify it by proclaiming, “Well, Mom & Dad used to do stuff like this.”
Exactly why I goofed.
My mouth has a tendency to run when I’m in the company of someone I’m wildly attracted to as the sign on my forehead blinks repeatedly, “I want to do it with you.” As for what I’m like around kids, I generally wear a muzzle, but my colleague is almost 30 years younger than me and I suppose that makes her a kid, even though I don’t think of her as that. I’m always blunt with her about my history of snafus. She seems to welcome listening to my tales for she’s made no effort to move her desk.
Mothers tend to know what their babies need, even if their baby is approaching manhood.
In that instance, he clearly needed to know he wasn’t alone and that in the overall scheme of life, this would be pretty minor. Teenagers can’t always see that, as we might remember.
I think you sensed that he needed to hear those stories, and you probably saved him from weeks of regret and shame. The worst would be having a child who didn’t care he had received a speeding ticket… now that’s a REAL problem.
Good job, mama.
Thanks so much for your support! And the read…
I was recounting the story of my middle brother climbing the town water tower in front of my son and his kids when realized what I had done…. sometimes, they should just learn about when THEY have kids! I have to remember what my dad said to me OFTEN, you’ll learn more with your mouth shut… sometimes just have to learn the hard way!
I bet your son was thrilled. 🙂
All the time..LOL! Great post. 🙂
A little something for you. 🙂
http://sonelcorner.wordpress.com/2013/04/22/wordpress-family-award/
*hugs*
Wow, what an honor. Thanks so very much for the award. I will check it out! You are one of those – though relatively new to my blogging family – who I can tell has a wonderfully kind heart.
You are very welcome hon and thanks for the lovely compliment. You are so sweet. 🙂 *hugs*
You have read my blog, correct? Not only should I shut my mouth LONG before I actually do, I should also probably stop moving my fingers across the keyboard and hitting “publish” LONG before I usually do! But, I’ll probably never change. It’s what makes me “me” —- and sharing those stories with the express intent of making your son feel better? I hope you don’t change either. It’s what makes you “you”!
Awww shucks. You’re so right. Thanks.
I think as a parent this is an occupational hazard!!! lol It’s a fine line between wanting them to know you can relate to their situation and TMI about our own experiences 🙂
Being a driving instructor had its advantages. My kids weren’t game to do anything wrong while driving. Only my son has received a speeding ticket and that was when he was in his twenties. It was a case of “my car – my rules” when they wanted to drive my car 😀
I find when I have decided to finally shut my mouth my foot already is blocking the enterance
My problem is when I finally try to shut my mouth I find my big foot is blocking the entrance.
For sure the case with me!
like always.
My daughter would say YES! But, of course, I just like to hear myself talk so I would say, not really. I lose my filter some days.
🙂 I’m not sure if I have a filter.
I bet you do. You just forget its there