Parenting Tip #2,100,382:
Always Learn the Rules, So You Can Break Them Properly

Lama Lama

I'm a BIG believer in Karma — what comes around goes around, you get what you give and all that — it's simple, easy to remember and exactly the sort of logic required, to help ward off a sixth sense for getting myself into trouble,.

In other words, I am very capable of making an asshat out of myself, without anyone's help…thankyouverymuch, Mr. Dalai Lama!

For example:  Wednesday – I wrote a post, on my shopping blog, about raising free spirits and teaching my girls to embrace their own sense of style.

KARMA…KARMA…KARMA…BAM!

Then, yesterday morning, I got home, saw the red light blinking on the answering machine and thought about, you know, ignoring it.

I mean, it could have been HGTV.

"Congratulations, you've been chosen as the winner of Green Home 2010!"

Probably not.

"Uh, hi, Mom, it's me, Glen…"

[wince]

"…um…well…uh…I'm in the principal's office…"

Seriously?

"…I got in trouble for wearing my wrestling t-shirt."

Yesterday, my son was sent to the principal's office for "inappropriate" attire and, well, I kinda, sorta KNEW that he was breaking the dress code and, you know, sent him to school, anyway.

"Are they gonna let you wear
that shirt?"

I wish I could say it was a rebellious need to question the school's authority in deciding what my kids should eat, drink and/or wear — although, I sometimes do think folks are getting a little, you know, militant about that sort of stuff — rather than, admit it was a simple attack of mommy brain.

"Yeah, I wore it to school lots of times."

Honestly, I guess I was just feeling really tired of arguing (ALL THE TIME) and, well, we were already late for our carpool.

"Fine."

Besides, it's about time my kids started accepting responsibility for their actions and, well, maybe even I can learn how to quit blaming myself, for every little thing they do wrong, right?

[beep]

Odd.  He hung up.  Oh, well…look, there's another message…maaaaaaaybe…

"Um…I forgot…you need to come to school and bring me a new shirt!"

D'oh…shuddup Dalai Lama…stupid HGTV!,

Liz@thisfullhouse signature

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

Comments

66 responses to “Parenting Tip #2,100,382:
Always Learn the Rules, So You Can Break Them Properly”

  1. JayMonster Avatar

    I’m sorry… but I don’t see what is wrong with that shirt… what??? because it has the word “hell” in it?
    If it didn’t have holes, and fit him, then I don’t understand what the problem is… did they think it was going to influence students to become entertainers for the WWE? Make ’em spend too much money on Pay Per View television?
    Unless of course they set a policy of “no printed” t-shirts well… then… Karma… Party of One. 😉

  2. JayMonster Avatar

    I’m sorry… but I don’t see what is wrong with that shirt… what??? because it has the word “hell” in it?
    If it didn’t have holes, and fit him, then I don’t understand what the problem is… did they think it was going to influence students to become entertainers for the WWE? Make ’em spend too much money on Pay Per View television?
    Unless of course they set a policy of “no printed” t-shirts well… then… Karma… Party of One. 😉

  3. JayMonster Avatar

    I’m sorry… but I don’t see what is wrong with that shirt… what??? because it has the word “hell” in it?
    If it didn’t have holes, and fit him, then I don’t understand what the problem is… did they think it was going to influence students to become entertainers for the WWE? Make ’em spend too much money on Pay Per View television?
    Unless of course they set a policy of “no printed” t-shirts well… then… Karma… Party of One. 😉

  4. JayMonster Avatar

    I’m sorry… but I don’t see what is wrong with that shirt… what??? because it has the word “hell” in it?
    If it didn’t have holes, and fit him, then I don’t understand what the problem is… did they think it was going to influence students to become entertainers for the WWE? Make ’em spend too much money on Pay Per View television?
    Unless of course they set a policy of “no printed” t-shirts well… then… Karma… Party of One. 😉

  5. JayMonster Avatar

    I’m sorry… but I don’t see what is wrong with that shirt… what??? because it has the word “hell” in it?
    If it didn’t have holes, and fit him, then I don’t understand what the problem is… did they think it was going to influence students to become entertainers for the WWE? Make ’em spend too much money on Pay Per View television?
    Unless of course they set a policy of “no printed” t-shirts well… then… Karma… Party of One. 😉

  6. JayMonster Avatar

    I’m sorry… but I don’t see what is wrong with that shirt… what??? because it has the word “hell” in it?
    If it didn’t have holes, and fit him, then I don’t understand what the problem is… did they think it was going to influence students to become entertainers for the WWE? Make ’em spend too much money on Pay Per View television?
    Unless of course they set a policy of “no printed” t-shirts well… then… Karma… Party of One. 😉

  7. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    I know, I know.  Still.  I questioned his wearing the t-shirt to school, too.  It's not my favorite one, either (the Undertaker on the front is a little scary-looking, too) but, I'm not too concerned about his breaking the dress code, than I am about his questioning me (and his dad) constantly.  Not everything has to be a debate.  This time, the school wins.  Aaaaand, maybe, next time, he'll listen to me.  I know, I know.  Probably not.
     

  8. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    I know, I know.  Still.  I questioned his wearing the t-shirt to school, too.  It's not my favorite one, either (the Undertaker on the front is a little scary-looking, too) but, I'm not too concerned about his breaking the dress code, than I am about his questioning me (and his dad) constantly.  Not everything has to be a debate.  This time, the school wins.  Aaaaand, maybe, next time, he'll listen to me.  I know, I know.  Probably not.
     

  9. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    I know, I know.  Still.  I questioned his wearing the t-shirt to school, too.  It's not my favorite one, either (the Undertaker on the front is a little scary-looking, too) but, I'm not too concerned about his breaking the dress code, than I am about his questioning me (and his dad) constantly.  Not everything has to be a debate.  This time, the school wins.  Aaaaand, maybe, next time, he'll listen to me.  I know, I know.  Probably not.
     

  10. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    I know, I know.  Still.  I questioned his wearing the t-shirt to school, too.  It's not my favorite one, either (the Undertaker on the front is a little scary-looking, too) but, I'm not too concerned about his breaking the dress code, than I am about his questioning me (and his dad) constantly.  Not everything has to be a debate.  This time, the school wins.  Aaaaand, maybe, next time, he'll listen to me.  I know, I know.  Probably not.
     

  11. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    I know, I know.  Still.  I questioned his wearing the t-shirt to school, too.  It's not my favorite one, either (the Undertaker on the front is a little scary-looking, too) but, I'm not too concerned about his breaking the dress code, than I am about his questioning me (and his dad) constantly.  Not everything has to be a debate.  This time, the school wins.  Aaaaand, maybe, next time, he'll listen to me.  I know, I know.  Probably not.
     

  12. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    I know, I know.  Still.  I questioned his wearing the t-shirt to school, too.  It's not my favorite one, either (the Undertaker on the front is a little scary-looking, too) but, I'm not too concerned about his breaking the dress code, than I am about his questioning me (and his dad) constantly.  Not everything has to be a debate.  This time, the school wins.  Aaaaand, maybe, next time, he'll listen to me.  I know, I know.  Probably not.
     

  13. Donna Avatar

    Sheesh. If that’s all he’s in trouble for, you’re doing OK. Personally, I have a hard enough time keeping track of all the rules for one child – one school. I have no idea how you manage with four.
    Give yourself a break. You’re awesome.

  14. Donna Avatar

    Sheesh. If that’s all he’s in trouble for, you’re doing OK. Personally, I have a hard enough time keeping track of all the rules for one child – one school. I have no idea how you manage with four.
    Give yourself a break. You’re awesome.

  15. Donna Avatar

    Sheesh. If that’s all he’s in trouble for, you’re doing OK. Personally, I have a hard enough time keeping track of all the rules for one child – one school. I have no idea how you manage with four.
    Give yourself a break. You’re awesome.

  16. Donna Avatar

    Sheesh. If that’s all he’s in trouble for, you’re doing OK. Personally, I have a hard enough time keeping track of all the rules for one child – one school. I have no idea how you manage with four.
    Give yourself a break. You’re awesome.

  17. Donna Avatar

    Sheesh. If that’s all he’s in trouble for, you’re doing OK. Personally, I have a hard enough time keeping track of all the rules for one child – one school. I have no idea how you manage with four.
    Give yourself a break. You’re awesome.

  18. Donna Avatar

    Sheesh. If that’s all he’s in trouble for, you’re doing OK. Personally, I have a hard enough time keeping track of all the rules for one child – one school. I have no idea how you manage with four.
    Give yourself a break. You’re awesome.

  19. Jenn Avatar

    *SNORT*
    I want that shirt. I want to wear it to my school, but I am sure I would be sent to the principal. That may look bad as PTA president.
    Let’s get him a shirt that says: “Rage in the Cage ‘cuz Hell in the Cell is too cool for school!”
    Did you at least give the school a “Really?” Do you want me to call them up and give them a good ol’ Southern “What? Well, bless your heart for making him change his shirt!” Cause we ALL know what a southern woman saying ‘bless your heart’ means!
    (Your sign in made my head explode!)

  20. Jenn Avatar

    *SNORT*
    I want that shirt. I want to wear it to my school, but I am sure I would be sent to the principal. That may look bad as PTA president.
    Let’s get him a shirt that says: “Rage in the Cage ‘cuz Hell in the Cell is too cool for school!”
    Did you at least give the school a “Really?” Do you want me to call them up and give them a good ol’ Southern “What? Well, bless your heart for making him change his shirt!” Cause we ALL know what a southern woman saying ‘bless your heart’ means!
    (Your sign in made my head explode!)

  21. Jenn Avatar

    *SNORT*
    I want that shirt. I want to wear it to my school, but I am sure I would be sent to the principal. That may look bad as PTA president.
    Let’s get him a shirt that says: “Rage in the Cage ‘cuz Hell in the Cell is too cool for school!”
    Did you at least give the school a “Really?” Do you want me to call them up and give them a good ol’ Southern “What? Well, bless your heart for making him change his shirt!” Cause we ALL know what a southern woman saying ‘bless your heart’ means!
    (Your sign in made my head explode!)

  22. Jenn Avatar

    *SNORT*
    I want that shirt. I want to wear it to my school, but I am sure I would be sent to the principal. That may look bad as PTA president.
    Let’s get him a shirt that says: “Rage in the Cage ‘cuz Hell in the Cell is too cool for school!”
    Did you at least give the school a “Really?” Do you want me to call them up and give them a good ol’ Southern “What? Well, bless your heart for making him change his shirt!” Cause we ALL know what a southern woman saying ‘bless your heart’ means!
    (Your sign in made my head explode!)

  23. Jenn Avatar

    *SNORT*
    I want that shirt. I want to wear it to my school, but I am sure I would be sent to the principal. That may look bad as PTA president.
    Let’s get him a shirt that says: “Rage in the Cage ‘cuz Hell in the Cell is too cool for school!”
    Did you at least give the school a “Really?” Do you want me to call them up and give them a good ol’ Southern “What? Well, bless your heart for making him change his shirt!” Cause we ALL know what a southern woman saying ‘bless your heart’ means!
    (Your sign in made my head explode!)

  24. Jenn Avatar

    *SNORT*
    I want that shirt. I want to wear it to my school, but I am sure I would be sent to the principal. That may look bad as PTA president.
    Let’s get him a shirt that says: “Rage in the Cage ‘cuz Hell in the Cell is too cool for school!”
    Did you at least give the school a “Really?” Do you want me to call them up and give them a good ol’ Southern “What? Well, bless your heart for making him change his shirt!” Cause we ALL know what a southern woman saying ‘bless your heart’ means!
    (Your sign in made my head explode!)

  25. Melisa Wells Avatar

    Hee hee! LOVED this. (I know YOU didn’t, but I did. 😉 )

  26. Melisa Wells Avatar

    Hee hee! LOVED this. (I know YOU didn’t, but I did. 😉 )

  27. Melisa Wells Avatar

    Hee hee! LOVED this. (I know YOU didn’t, but I did. 😉 )

  28. Melisa Wells Avatar

    Hee hee! LOVED this. (I know YOU didn’t, but I did. 😉 )

  29. Melisa Wells Avatar

    Hee hee! LOVED this. (I know YOU didn’t, but I did. 😉 )

  30. Melisa Wells Avatar

    Hee hee! LOVED this. (I know YOU didn’t, but I did. 😉 )

  31. newbuffalomom Avatar
    newbuffalomom

    My school would make you turn it inside out if they didn’t like what it looked like. Duct tape is used on holes in jeans.

  32. newbuffalomom Avatar
    newbuffalomom

    My school would make you turn it inside out if they didn’t like what it looked like. Duct tape is used on holes in jeans.

  33. newbuffalomom Avatar
    newbuffalomom

    My school would make you turn it inside out if they didn’t like what it looked like. Duct tape is used on holes in jeans.

  34. newbuffalomom Avatar
    newbuffalomom

    My school would make you turn it inside out if they didn’t like what it looked like. Duct tape is used on holes in jeans.

  35. newbuffalomom Avatar
    newbuffalomom

    My school would make you turn it inside out if they didn’t like what it looked like. Duct tape is used on holes in jeans.

  36. newbuffalomom Avatar
    newbuffalomom

    My school would make you turn it inside out if they didn’t like what it looked like. Duct tape is used on holes in jeans.

  37. mommyknows Avatar

    It sounds more like they are punishing you. Making you drive him a new shirt. Did you take him one?

  38. mommyknows Avatar

    It sounds more like they are punishing you. Making you drive him a new shirt. Did you take him one?

  39. mommyknows Avatar

    It sounds more like they are punishing you. Making you drive him a new shirt. Did you take him one?

  40. mommyknows Avatar

    It sounds more like they are punishing you. Making you drive him a new shirt. Did you take him one?

  41. mommyknows Avatar

    It sounds more like they are punishing you. Making you drive him a new shirt. Did you take him one?

  42. mommyknows Avatar

    It sounds more like they are punishing you. Making you drive him a new shirt. Did you take him one?

  43. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Yes, yes I did, Kim and, well, they didn't bother calling me back and telling me that, you know, the nurse already gave him a loaner…which…whoops…is STILL sitting in my laundry pile.  Oh well.  They should get it back before the school year is out, I hope 🙂
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  44. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Yes, yes I did, Kim and, well, they didn't bother calling me back and telling me that, you know, the nurse already gave him a loaner…which…whoops…is STILL sitting in my laundry pile.  Oh well.  They should get it back before the school year is out, I hope 🙂
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  45. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Yes, yes I did, Kim and, well, they didn't bother calling me back and telling me that, you know, the nurse already gave him a loaner…which…whoops…is STILL sitting in my laundry pile.  Oh well.  They should get it back before the school year is out, I hope 🙂
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  46. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Yes, yes I did, Kim and, well, they didn't bother calling me back and telling me that, you know, the nurse already gave him a loaner…which…whoops…is STILL sitting in my laundry pile.  Oh well.  They should get it back before the school year is out, I hope 🙂
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  47. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Yes, yes I did, Kim and, well, they didn't bother calling me back and telling me that, you know, the nurse already gave him a loaner…which…whoops…is STILL sitting in my laundry pile.  Oh well.  They should get it back before the school year is out, I hope 🙂
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  48. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    Yes, yes I did, Kim and, well, they didn't bother calling me back and telling me that, you know, the nurse already gave him a loaner…which…whoops…is STILL sitting in my laundry pile.  Oh well.  They should get it back before the school year is out, I hope 🙂
    Hugs,
    Liz
     

  49. Sarah Avatar

    That’s a new one: behind on other people’s laundry??

  50. Sarah Avatar

    That’s a new one: behind on other people’s laundry??

  51. Sarah Avatar

    That’s a new one: behind on other people’s laundry??

  52. Sarah Avatar

    That’s a new one: behind on other people’s laundry??

  53. Sarah Avatar

    That’s a new one: behind on other people’s laundry??

  54. Sarah Avatar

    That’s a new one: behind on other people’s laundry??

  55. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    What can I say, Sarah…I am a trend-setter 😉
    Liz
     

  56. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    What can I say, Sarah…I am a trend-setter 😉
    Liz
     

  57. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    What can I say, Sarah…I am a trend-setter 😉
    Liz
     

  58. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    What can I say, Sarah…I am a trend-setter 😉
    Liz
     

  59. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    What can I say, Sarah…I am a trend-setter 😉
    Liz
     

  60. Liz@thisfullhouse Avatar

    What can I say, Sarah…I am a trend-setter 😉
    Liz
     

  61. hope smith Avatar

    WOW to amny ruls for all the kids and the ones that reallly matter they don’t care about.

  62. hope smith Avatar

    WOW to amny ruls for all the kids and the ones that reallly matter they don’t care about.

  63. hope smith Avatar

    WOW to amny ruls for all the kids and the ones that reallly matter they don’t care about.

  64. hope smith Avatar

    WOW to amny ruls for all the kids and the ones that reallly matter they don’t care about.

  65. hope smith Avatar

    WOW to amny ruls for all the kids and the ones that reallly matter they don’t care about.

  66. hope smith Avatar

    WOW to amny ruls for all the kids and the ones that reallly matter they don’t care about.