It wasn’t so long ago when what I said mattered. “Wear your hat and gloves so you don’t get
sick,” doesn’t seem to hold weight any more. My soon-to-be 18-year old son wears anklet socks and a sweatshirt as his only ‘winter’ cover in 20-degree weather.
It drives me nuts. I know my concern is that of a ‘just a
mom’, or could it be it’s simply a concern I have due to the cold? I like wearing thick socks that keep my legs warm and cushion my feet. On days when time allows, my attire can be more
coordinated for the office but let’s face it, fancier fabrics
are well, thinner, and therefore I'm cold.
There are warmer choices, I know, but I'm not into the sportier, and clunky look of UGGs. I like the multi-layered styles of Anthropologie or H&M but those brands can be pricey to put together.
Out the door goes the teen for a Saturday night. He's wearing just a hoodie. A winter coat purchased for the purpose of protection, hangs in the
closet for a second year, unworn. That garment will surely find its way into
the donation bag because the possibility of its use is non-existent.
Teen angst is funny. Mine was for platform shoes and
bell-bottoms. Today, for a male teenager, authenticity demonstrates itself in wearing barely enough
clothes for a January evening out.
A parent has no solace in comparing his own youth to that of
his own child. Decades stands between the two, not to mention the particulars of
how 2012 is different than 1974.
What is of concern is the thought every parent
has when they think of the kind of future their child will face. Will they find
themselves able to sustain themselves, will they be safe and of course the
ultimate question – have I done a good job parenting?
Only time will tell. What feels good in the meantime, is the sound the door makes when it closes behind your child upon his return after a cold night
out.
Hello Margaret.
ReplyDeleteI am not a parent, but I understand exactly how you feel because when I was younger, my mom used to have the same concerns about us...although where I grew up (in the Caribbean), there was no such thing as snow & cold.
Today, I am one who does not like to be cold. I wear my thermals under my regular clothes & dress in layers. On a day like today where it was bitterly cold & snowing when I left for work this morning, I was dressed in all my layers, including thick socks, boots, thick coat, scarf & gloves. I don't wear hats much.
Lovely, reflective post.
Thanks for sharing.
Thoughts Of Beauty In The Stillness Of Dawn
Margaret,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your article, my two kids aged 22 and 19rs do the same :) Loved the last line about how the sound of the door closing behind our children,on a cold night, feels so good.
Like Andy, I don't have children, but I know that my parents, in their 80s, still worry about my two brothers and I - we're 52, 50 and 46 respectively!! Parents will always be parents...even when we're all grow up. Your son will be alright, just as we are!
ReplyDeleteI have two boys (9yrs and 5yrs old). My mum always said: "little children, little wories, bigger children, bigger worries" I think she's right!
ReplyDeleteMy mother still critizes and offers advice on my wardrobe even though I'm in my mid 40's. I guess in her heart I'm still that youngster running around outside without shoes in frigid weather. A Mom will always be a Mom!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://erinsdomain.blogspot.com
That's so true David! I can still see the child even though he's grown! Thank you folks for comments - it's great to hear similar situations!
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