Girl Scout registrations are due TODAY and I found a note on my desk (this morning!) from my 13-year-old telling me how she is just NOT that into girl scouts, anymore.
[bites lower lip]
She's been with her troop since Kindergarten. Still, why do I feel like I AM the one who's breaking up and I just can't shake the thought that, either way, I may have just created a frenemy, or two?
[channels her inner-Neil Sadaka)
Because, breaking up IS oh so hard to do…damnit…and why can't she just quit Facebook, or something?
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Comments
35 responses to “Video Blogging: Breaking Up with the Girl Scouts”
Aww Liz, I’m huggin’ you right through this monitor.
You said it yourself: after 9 years, it’s really not quitting. Our one rule with our kids is that once they begin something, they must finish the CYCLE of it; no quitting in the middle. For example, if your daughter says she’s done with scouts but has finished the scout year, it’s not quitting. Get it? She’s just “stopping” or “ceasing involvement” or some other p.c. term like that. And you know, kids change over time. Not all of them like every single thing forever and ever…but I know how hard this is for you, and how weird you feel because you’re upset about it more than she is. I know it’s not exactly the same, but can’t you still do lunch or something now and then with those moms? Maybe you can go in to some of the troop meetings and teach SEWING or something (ha ha).
Last resort? Might be time to adopt a girl scout who has a mom that detests scouting. 🙂
Hugs!
Aww Liz, I’m huggin’ you right through this monitor.
You said it yourself: after 9 years, it’s really not quitting. Our one rule with our kids is that once they begin something, they must finish the CYCLE of it; no quitting in the middle. For example, if your daughter says she’s done with scouts but has finished the scout year, it’s not quitting. Get it? She’s just “stopping” or “ceasing involvement” or some other p.c. term like that. And you know, kids change over time. Not all of them like every single thing forever and ever…but I know how hard this is for you, and how weird you feel because you’re upset about it more than she is. I know it’s not exactly the same, but can’t you still do lunch or something now and then with those moms? Maybe you can go in to some of the troop meetings and teach SEWING or something (ha ha).
Last resort? Might be time to adopt a girl scout who has a mom that detests scouting. 🙂
Hugs!
Aww Liz, I’m huggin’ you right through this monitor.
You said it yourself: after 9 years, it’s really not quitting. Our one rule with our kids is that once they begin something, they must finish the CYCLE of it; no quitting in the middle. For example, if your daughter says she’s done with scouts but has finished the scout year, it’s not quitting. Get it? She’s just “stopping” or “ceasing involvement” or some other p.c. term like that. And you know, kids change over time. Not all of them like every single thing forever and ever…but I know how hard this is for you, and how weird you feel because you’re upset about it more than she is. I know it’s not exactly the same, but can’t you still do lunch or something now and then with those moms? Maybe you can go in to some of the troop meetings and teach SEWING or something (ha ha).
Last resort? Might be time to adopt a girl scout who has a mom that detests scouting. 🙂
Hugs!
Aww Liz, I’m huggin’ you right through this monitor.
You said it yourself: after 9 years, it’s really not quitting. Our one rule with our kids is that once they begin something, they must finish the CYCLE of it; no quitting in the middle. For example, if your daughter says she’s done with scouts but has finished the scout year, it’s not quitting. Get it? She’s just “stopping” or “ceasing involvement” or some other p.c. term like that. And you know, kids change over time. Not all of them like every single thing forever and ever…but I know how hard this is for you, and how weird you feel because you’re upset about it more than she is. I know it’s not exactly the same, but can’t you still do lunch or something now and then with those moms? Maybe you can go in to some of the troop meetings and teach SEWING or something (ha ha).
Last resort? Might be time to adopt a girl scout who has a mom that detests scouting. 🙂
Hugs!
Aww Liz, I’m huggin’ you right through this monitor.
You said it yourself: after 9 years, it’s really not quitting. Our one rule with our kids is that once they begin something, they must finish the CYCLE of it; no quitting in the middle. For example, if your daughter says she’s done with scouts but has finished the scout year, it’s not quitting. Get it? She’s just “stopping” or “ceasing involvement” or some other p.c. term like that. And you know, kids change over time. Not all of them like every single thing forever and ever…but I know how hard this is for you, and how weird you feel because you’re upset about it more than she is. I know it’s not exactly the same, but can’t you still do lunch or something now and then with those moms? Maybe you can go in to some of the troop meetings and teach SEWING or something (ha ha).
Last resort? Might be time to adopt a girl scout who has a mom that detests scouting. 🙂
Hugs!
I dread this moment, as the leader of 9 11-year-old Girl Scouts. However, I’m always surprised when it actually happens. At this age, the activities should be girl chosen and girl led. I’m simply an adviser. If they don’t like it, they are the ones who need to change it and make our troop theirs.
I have a pretty good group of core girls at this stage. Last meeting we did the Hoedown Throwdown as a teaching example of how an individual contributes to the success of the team (if one girl is off step, they can all tumble!)
Shutup. It totally works. Because I’m the leader and if I want us to earn a badge dancing with Hannah Montana, I have been granted the authority to make that choice! 😉
I dread this moment, as the leader of 9 11-year-old Girl Scouts. However, I’m always surprised when it actually happens. At this age, the activities should be girl chosen and girl led. I’m simply an adviser. If they don’t like it, they are the ones who need to change it and make our troop theirs.
I have a pretty good group of core girls at this stage. Last meeting we did the Hoedown Throwdown as a teaching example of how an individual contributes to the success of the team (if one girl is off step, they can all tumble!)
Shutup. It totally works. Because I’m the leader and if I want us to earn a badge dancing with Hannah Montana, I have been granted the authority to make that choice! 😉
I dread this moment, as the leader of 9 11-year-old Girl Scouts. However, I’m always surprised when it actually happens. At this age, the activities should be girl chosen and girl led. I’m simply an adviser. If they don’t like it, they are the ones who need to change it and make our troop theirs.
I have a pretty good group of core girls at this stage. Last meeting we did the Hoedown Throwdown as a teaching example of how an individual contributes to the success of the team (if one girl is off step, they can all tumble!)
Shutup. It totally works. Because I’m the leader and if I want us to earn a badge dancing with Hannah Montana, I have been granted the authority to make that choice! 😉
I dread this moment, as the leader of 9 11-year-old Girl Scouts. However, I’m always surprised when it actually happens. At this age, the activities should be girl chosen and girl led. I’m simply an adviser. If they don’t like it, they are the ones who need to change it and make our troop theirs.
I have a pretty good group of core girls at this stage. Last meeting we did the Hoedown Throwdown as a teaching example of how an individual contributes to the success of the team (if one girl is off step, they can all tumble!)
Shutup. It totally works. Because I’m the leader and if I want us to earn a badge dancing with Hannah Montana, I have been granted the authority to make that choice! 😉
I dread this moment, as the leader of 9 11-year-old Girl Scouts. However, I’m always surprised when it actually happens. At this age, the activities should be girl chosen and girl led. I’m simply an adviser. If they don’t like it, they are the ones who need to change it and make our troop theirs.
I have a pretty good group of core girls at this stage. Last meeting we did the Hoedown Throwdown as a teaching example of how an individual contributes to the success of the team (if one girl is off step, they can all tumble!)
Shutup. It totally works. Because I’m the leader and if I want us to earn a badge dancing with Hannah Montana, I have been granted the authority to make that choice! 😉
I forced my daughter to stay and do her Silver work and then she dug her heels in the sand and refused to do the paperwork after she DID the project. You are doing the right thing.
I forced my daughter to stay and do her Silver work and then she dug her heels in the sand and refused to do the paperwork after she DID the project. You are doing the right thing.
I forced my daughter to stay and do her Silver work and then she dug her heels in the sand and refused to do the paperwork after she DID the project. You are doing the right thing.
I forced my daughter to stay and do her Silver work and then she dug her heels in the sand and refused to do the paperwork after she DID the project. You are doing the right thing.
I forced my daughter to stay and do her Silver work and then she dug her heels in the sand and refused to do the paperwork after she DID the project. You are doing the right thing.
No offense to Heather (Rally, I mean that) but Girls Scouts is lame. My son is in Boy Scouts and they actually are DOING things, exciting things to earn badges. Girl Scouting has been left (not by the commited local leaders, but by the national staff) to flounder in “Boringville” yea these many years. I have a soon to be third grader who has a wonderful leader, and she does everything she can within the limitations she works under. Boy Scouts has a program called Adventure Scouts. It’s co-ed and begins at 14. I’m holding my youngest out till she’s old enough for this. Heck- I’ve been thinking of petitioning to get her in to Cub Scouts because it would much better suit her personality. Don’t think of your daughter as a quitter. you never know what exciting thing is around the corner for her (and you!!) It’s easy to get comfortable and not want to leave a situation. Maybe ask her (when she is again speaking to you.(Which will be the next time she needs you for something)) what her specific reasons are for leaving. That way you’ll feel beter because you’ll know why she chose this and she’ll feel her feelings and reasons have been validated. Sorry about the GS rant. I’ll get all your hate mail now!!!!!
No offense to Heather (Rally, I mean that) but Girls Scouts is lame. My son is in Boy Scouts and they actually are DOING things, exciting things to earn badges. Girl Scouting has been left (not by the commited local leaders, but by the national staff) to flounder in “Boringville” yea these many years. I have a soon to be third grader who has a wonderful leader, and she does everything she can within the limitations she works under. Boy Scouts has a program called Adventure Scouts. It’s co-ed and begins at 14. I’m holding my youngest out till she’s old enough for this. Heck- I’ve been thinking of petitioning to get her in to Cub Scouts because it would much better suit her personality. Don’t think of your daughter as a quitter. you never know what exciting thing is around the corner for her (and you!!) It’s easy to get comfortable and not want to leave a situation. Maybe ask her (when she is again speaking to you.(Which will be the next time she needs you for something)) what her specific reasons are for leaving. That way you’ll feel beter because you’ll know why she chose this and she’ll feel her feelings and reasons have been validated. Sorry about the GS rant. I’ll get all your hate mail now!!!!!
No offense to Heather (Rally, I mean that) but Girls Scouts is lame. My son is in Boy Scouts and they actually are DOING things, exciting things to earn badges. Girl Scouting has been left (not by the commited local leaders, but by the national staff) to flounder in “Boringville” yea these many years. I have a soon to be third grader who has a wonderful leader, and she does everything she can within the limitations she works under. Boy Scouts has a program called Adventure Scouts. It’s co-ed and begins at 14. I’m holding my youngest out till she’s old enough for this. Heck- I’ve been thinking of petitioning to get her in to Cub Scouts because it would much better suit her personality. Don’t think of your daughter as a quitter. you never know what exciting thing is around the corner for her (and you!!) It’s easy to get comfortable and not want to leave a situation. Maybe ask her (when she is again speaking to you.(Which will be the next time she needs you for something)) what her specific reasons are for leaving. That way you’ll feel beter because you’ll know why she chose this and she’ll feel her feelings and reasons have been validated. Sorry about the GS rant. I’ll get all your hate mail now!!!!!
No offense to Heather (Rally, I mean that) but Girls Scouts is lame. My son is in Boy Scouts and they actually are DOING things, exciting things to earn badges. Girl Scouting has been left (not by the commited local leaders, but by the national staff) to flounder in “Boringville” yea these many years. I have a soon to be third grader who has a wonderful leader, and she does everything she can within the limitations she works under. Boy Scouts has a program called Adventure Scouts. It’s co-ed and begins at 14. I’m holding my youngest out till she’s old enough for this. Heck- I’ve been thinking of petitioning to get her in to Cub Scouts because it would much better suit her personality. Don’t think of your daughter as a quitter. you never know what exciting thing is around the corner for her (and you!!) It’s easy to get comfortable and not want to leave a situation. Maybe ask her (when she is again speaking to you.(Which will be the next time she needs you for something)) what her specific reasons are for leaving. That way you’ll feel beter because you’ll know why she chose this and she’ll feel her feelings and reasons have been validated. Sorry about the GS rant. I’ll get all your hate mail now!!!!!
No offense to Heather (Rally, I mean that) but Girls Scouts is lame. My son is in Boy Scouts and they actually are DOING things, exciting things to earn badges. Girl Scouting has been left (not by the commited local leaders, but by the national staff) to flounder in “Boringville” yea these many years. I have a soon to be third grader who has a wonderful leader, and she does everything she can within the limitations she works under. Boy Scouts has a program called Adventure Scouts. It’s co-ed and begins at 14. I’m holding my youngest out till she’s old enough for this. Heck- I’ve been thinking of petitioning to get her in to Cub Scouts because it would much better suit her personality. Don’t think of your daughter as a quitter. you never know what exciting thing is around the corner for her (and you!!) It’s easy to get comfortable and not want to leave a situation. Maybe ask her (when she is again speaking to you.(Which will be the next time she needs you for something)) what her specific reasons are for leaving. That way you’ll feel beter because you’ll know why she chose this and she’ll feel her feelings and reasons have been validated. Sorry about the GS rant. I’ll get all your hate mail now!!!!!
Hi Virginia,
You won’t get any hate mail from me. You’re bang on, actually. I see the difference between what my son’s friends are doing, compared to the girl scout troops in the area. I don’t quite understand it. Although, we’ve done terrific things in the past (cooking a meal at Ronald McDonald House) I just wish they’d help our girls put their leadership skills to good use.
It’s hard to believe that she still has (or, had) 10 girls in her troop. I spoke with one of her leaders and then sat down with Heather, last night. To her credit, Heather thought she’d learn all that she possibly could from GS.
She’s going to the end of the year shindig and participating in a troop family yard sale (at our house) this weekend. I’m hoping that she reconsiders, because the troop is supposedly getting involved in a lot of hands on activities and community service, next year. We’ll see. Thanks for your thoughts!
Liz@thisfullhouse
Hi Virginia,
You won’t get any hate mail from me. You’re bang on, actually. I see the difference between what my son’s friends are doing, compared to the girl scout troops in the area. I don’t quite understand it. Although, we’ve done terrific things in the past (cooking a meal at Ronald McDonald House) I just wish they’d help our girls put their leadership skills to good use.
It’s hard to believe that she still has (or, had) 10 girls in her troop. I spoke with one of her leaders and then sat down with Heather, last night. To her credit, Heather thought she’d learn all that she possibly could from GS.
She’s going to the end of the year shindig and participating in a troop family yard sale (at our house) this weekend. I’m hoping that she reconsiders, because the troop is supposedly getting involved in a lot of hands on activities and community service, next year. We’ll see. Thanks for your thoughts!
Liz@thisfullhouse
Hi Virginia,
You won’t get any hate mail from me. You’re bang on, actually. I see the difference between what my son’s friends are doing, compared to the girl scout troops in the area. I don’t quite understand it. Although, we’ve done terrific things in the past (cooking a meal at Ronald McDonald House) I just wish they’d help our girls put their leadership skills to good use.
It’s hard to believe that she still has (or, had) 10 girls in her troop. I spoke with one of her leaders and then sat down with Heather, last night. To her credit, Heather thought she’d learn all that she possibly could from GS.
She’s going to the end of the year shindig and participating in a troop family yard sale (at our house) this weekend. I’m hoping that she reconsiders, because the troop is supposedly getting involved in a lot of hands on activities and community service, next year. We’ll see. Thanks for your thoughts!
Liz@thisfullhouse
Hi Virginia,
You won’t get any hate mail from me. You’re bang on, actually. I see the difference between what my son’s friends are doing, compared to the girl scout troops in the area. I don’t quite understand it. Although, we’ve done terrific things in the past (cooking a meal at Ronald McDonald House) I just wish they’d help our girls put their leadership skills to good use.
It’s hard to believe that she still has (or, had) 10 girls in her troop. I spoke with one of her leaders and then sat down with Heather, last night. To her credit, Heather thought she’d learn all that she possibly could from GS.
She’s going to the end of the year shindig and participating in a troop family yard sale (at our house) this weekend. I’m hoping that she reconsiders, because the troop is supposedly getting involved in a lot of hands on activities and community service, next year. We’ll see. Thanks for your thoughts!
Liz@thisfullhouse
Hi Virginia,
You won’t get any hate mail from me. You’re bang on, actually. I see the difference between what my son’s friends are doing, compared to the girl scout troops in the area. I don’t quite understand it. Although, we’ve done terrific things in the past (cooking a meal at Ronald McDonald House) I just wish they’d help our girls put their leadership skills to good use.
It’s hard to believe that she still has (or, had) 10 girls in her troop. I spoke with one of her leaders and then sat down with Heather, last night. To her credit, Heather thought she’d learn all that she possibly could from GS.
She’s going to the end of the year shindig and participating in a troop family yard sale (at our house) this weekend. I’m hoping that she reconsiders, because the troop is supposedly getting involved in a lot of hands on activities and community service, next year. We’ll see. Thanks for your thoughts!
Liz@thisfullhouse
Hey Liz –
Ok – you know where I stand on this, being that I am the troop leader for both of my girls’ troops. Maybe you can talk to Heather about being a Juliette – her own troop – so to speak. This way, SHE can make ALL the choices. She still qualifies to particiape in all the award programs, service unit & council events, and just about anything GS USA has to offer. It doesn’t have to be all about the badges. Did I also mention that it looks fantastic on a college application? Even if she doesn’t want to do the award stuff, community service is always needed. Heather seems to be a leader and I can see her rounding up people to help her organize and run whatever she plans. {{{hugs}}} Good luck!
Hey Liz –
Ok – you know where I stand on this, being that I am the troop leader for both of my girls’ troops. Maybe you can talk to Heather about being a Juliette – her own troop – so to speak. This way, SHE can make ALL the choices. She still qualifies to particiape in all the award programs, service unit & council events, and just about anything GS USA has to offer. It doesn’t have to be all about the badges. Did I also mention that it looks fantastic on a college application? Even if she doesn’t want to do the award stuff, community service is always needed. Heather seems to be a leader and I can see her rounding up people to help her organize and run whatever she plans. {{{hugs}}} Good luck!
Hey Liz –
Ok – you know where I stand on this, being that I am the troop leader for both of my girls’ troops. Maybe you can talk to Heather about being a Juliette – her own troop – so to speak. This way, SHE can make ALL the choices. She still qualifies to particiape in all the award programs, service unit & council events, and just about anything GS USA has to offer. It doesn’t have to be all about the badges. Did I also mention that it looks fantastic on a college application? Even if she doesn’t want to do the award stuff, community service is always needed. Heather seems to be a leader and I can see her rounding up people to help her organize and run whatever she plans. {{{hugs}}} Good luck!
Hey Liz –
Ok – you know where I stand on this, being that I am the troop leader for both of my girls’ troops. Maybe you can talk to Heather about being a Juliette – her own troop – so to speak. This way, SHE can make ALL the choices. She still qualifies to particiape in all the award programs, service unit & council events, and just about anything GS USA has to offer. It doesn’t have to be all about the badges. Did I also mention that it looks fantastic on a college application? Even if she doesn’t want to do the award stuff, community service is always needed. Heather seems to be a leader and I can see her rounding up people to help her organize and run whatever she plans. {{{hugs}}} Good luck!
Hey Liz –
Ok – you know where I stand on this, being that I am the troop leader for both of my girls’ troops. Maybe you can talk to Heather about being a Juliette – her own troop – so to speak. This way, SHE can make ALL the choices. She still qualifies to particiape in all the award programs, service unit & council events, and just about anything GS USA has to offer. It doesn’t have to be all about the badges. Did I also mention that it looks fantastic on a college application? Even if she doesn’t want to do the award stuff, community service is always needed. Heather seems to be a leader and I can see her rounding up people to help her organize and run whatever she plans. {{{hugs}}} Good luck!
I was the leader of both of my girls troops and I was sad when they quit…but then I got to quit too so it was kind of a win, win 😉
I was the leader of both of my girls troops and I was sad when they quit…but then I got to quit too so it was kind of a win, win 😉
I was the leader of both of my girls troops and I was sad when they quit…but then I got to quit too so it was kind of a win, win 😉
I was the leader of both of my girls troops and I was sad when they quit…but then I got to quit too so it was kind of a win, win 😉
I was the leader of both of my girls troops and I was sad when they quit…but then I got to quit too so it was kind of a win, win 😉