On the weekends, I don’t have a set bedtime for my kids. This also means I don’t have a set bedtime routine either—you know, teeth, medicine, washing, etc… It all just happens whenever I make it happen; not at any particular time.
So on Saturday night, at around 9:00, my 10yo was on the couch with daddy watching some NBA all star thing. I was ready to retire up to bed to enjoy me some HGTV. Before I went up, I gave my son his medicine and made him wash his hands and face. (My 8yo had already done those things, surprisingly, so he was a non-issue). I then urged him to brush his teeth. And here’s how it went:
Me: Okay, now brush your teeth.
Him: NOOOO. Please! I just did all that other stuff. Can’t I just do it later?
Me: No. I know you. When you come up for bed, I’ll tell you to brush your teeth and you’ll tell me you’re too tired.
Him: No I won’t. I promise. You can trust me, mom.
Me: (thoughtful pause) Fine.
Fast forward thirty minutes later. I hear my son coming up the stairs. Game on. Here’s how it went:
Me: Okay, time to brush your teeth.
Him: But mom, I’m too tired.
Me: You’re kidding, right?
Him: No. Seriously, I can’t even keep my eyes open.
Me: Seriously yourself! You have got to be kidding me with this right now.
Him (now whining): I can’t. I’m just too tired.
Me: You promised. Now get in there and brush your teeth.
Him (whining even louder now): But why?
Me: Go!
Him (walking towards the bathroom, now cry-whining): Why are you making me do this? Can’t you see how tired I am?
Um, really? This is what I get for loosening the reins? Good grief.
Oh, this sounds so familiar, I mean, like today! My son said, “I will be happy all day if you play the wii with me for 30 minutes.” 45 minutes later he is sulking… BOYS! Gotta love em though! Your story made me laugh
You said it. Boys, gotta love em!
Get out of my house – SERIOUSLY!
Why do they have an argument for everything? I am exhausted already, and they are not even teenagers yet.
EVERYTHING! It makes me insane!