The Lone One

Sometimes I am left wondering if I am the only one. I know I am not "down" with the new age of parenting and very old fashioned when it comes to many things, but some things are common sense and others are common courtesy.

Am I the only one that thinks it is fucked up for an older child to push a younger child out of the way for a turn and for the parent of that said child to do nothing?

Am I the only one that thinks it is so rude for another child to ask my eldest to make of fun of her sister?

Am I the only one that thinks the children at the restaurant playing on iPads should be talking to their family?

Am I the only one that teachers elevator courtesy? Let the fucking people out first!

Am I the only one that makes my kids say excuse me when trying to pass other people?

Am I the only one that still plays with my child when on vacation? Put down the beer and go down the water slide. Your kid has asked you at least 10x that I've seen.

Am I the only one that still believes your child should stay a child....some movies are just not appropriate.

Am I the only one that makes my child hold the door open for other people?

Am I the only one saying "no" to too grown up clothes? Geez, she is about to be 7....not 17.

Am I the only one who thinks we put too much stress on little kids? They cannot handle school and 5 gazillion activities.

Am I the only one with an honest outlook of my children's athletic ability?

Am I the only that believes if your kid has a fever, even low grade, you cancel plans? How do you know it is teething? How do you know it is allergies? Oh, and if they had the stomach bug last night and are now, ok -please cancel plans with us. I am like school. 24 hours free of any symptom and then you are welcome.

Am I the only one that tells my children not to ask for food at another person's home?

Am I the only one that expects my children not to run around at a restaurant?

Am I the only one that still restricts my children to sprite and no other soda? (And they only get that while on vacation or for their birthday.)

Am I the only one that still recognizes birthdays are big deal? Let your child have a cupcake for breakfast - it is once a year.

Am I the only one that lets the children play outside unattended?

Am I the only one explaining why a person looks different vs letting the child point and stare?

Am I the only one that wants my kids to believe in the tooth fairy? Santa?

Am I the only one that hears all the other parents whispering about that kid whose behavior is atrocious? Someone tell the mom! (I am not friends with her, but I hear the gossip)

Am I the only one that chooses family time over a play date? I know friends are important, but family is forever.

Am I the only one that wishes it was the 1980s - before kids were labeled, before we put our cell numbers with sharpies on their arms, before we had so much technology, before GMOs, before organic, before the vaccination debate, before all the things that makes us crazy?

I do not think I am the only one, but sometimes it sure feels like it.