Ageism/Adultism cont'd

This morning I'm in Fort Worth, where I grew up.  I'm here because it's my father's 70th birthday and we're going to his house this afternoon to celebrate.  How does this relate to ageism?
Well, as you all know, I'm a little older than the average student.  I'm married, I have a teenage kid, I own a house...  blah blah blah..  But nothing makes me feel more like a little kid than spending the day with my step-mother. Ha!  She can make you feel 12 years old!   :)  So, we'll be in her house today- so we have to follow her rules!  Happy Birthday Dad!

Speaking of rules...
I've been thinking about the conversation we were having in class about privacy and autonomy of kids.  I lived with my mother until I was 15.  While with my mother, there were no rules, or if there were rules, she did not enforce them.  So, I didn't really have a curfew, I don't remember having chores, I basically did what I wanted.  It's a blessing that something crazy didn't happen to me... I had too much freedom.  Way too much.
So, I moved in with my Dad and above mentioned step-mother, Judy when I was 15.  Drastic difference.  They had a small house, out in the country with the nearest neighbor about a mile away.  I was given Judy's studio (she's an artist) to live in.  I was not allowed to put anything on the walls, not a calendar, not a poster, not even a picture.  I was to have a shower every night by 7 pm. I was to be in my bedroom with the door closed by 7:30- every night.  I was allowed to use the telephone, but only for 15 minutes a night.  It was such a drastic change.  I moved out the summer before my senior year of high school and I moved in with my older sister who was a college student.  Ahh...  freedom...

So, as a parent, I try to find a middle ground.  I remember what it was like having no say so.  I respect Sam's privacy- and will do so unless he gives me reason not to (like I think he's suicidal or if I think he might be using drugs).  I try not to say no too quickly when he wants to go do something.   I work hard to really listen to what he's telling me (even if it's about zombies or Rage Comics, or troll face jokes).

I probably ask him about girls too much.  I should respect his privacy more on that. He's a good kid and I trust him.  I don't know what kind of relationship can survive without trust.  He has rules and chores and curfews.  And I want to know where he is when he isn't at home, who he's hanging out with.  But I trust that he is behaving, for the most part any way.

Getting Older..
My husband told me the other day that I was too old to get a tattoo.   :(  I assured him that I wasn't asking his permission, just his opinion (yea, he's in the doghouse).  Oh well. I do struggle with getting older.   I've become very diligent about sunscreen and moisturizers and getting enough sleep.  But, with age comes wisdom, or so they say.    :)
Have a great week everyone!