My kids came home last night. They were on a cruise with their dad and his wife. I am thrilled that they are back, because I always miss them when they are gone. I am really thankful that I have pretty well behaved kids however because my ex let them run amok on the ship they were on. My 14 year old son has declared himself a party animal. I verified that he was not drinking, however he did see several teens on board drinking. My son claims that he was just running around the ship with the friends that he made and would dance all night at the deck parties. My 12 year old daughter did a little of the same but had a smaller group of friends that were not quite as loud and flamboyant as my son's crowd. They both told me that they did not get to their room until about 3 or 4 every night as their dad did not give them a curfew. The kids had their own cabin so I asked if my ex every stopped in to make sure they were there. They said "no", they only saw him at dinner and excursions. For me, the overprotected mother, this makes me very uncomfortable, and I thank my lucky stars that my kids get direction from me at home so that when they receive unlimited freedom that they do not go overboard (literally).
Of course, I am not a total ogre. When the kids, John and I were on a cruise this past summer, my daughter had an 11 curfew and my son had a 12 curfew, and I checked their cabin to make sure they were there. If there were special events going on, they could find me to get their curfew extended, but they certainly had rules when we were on the ship. I also checked their room frequently to make sure there was no stupidity going on. I am so glad that the kids went on a cruise with me first so that they had an idea of what behavior should be expected of them.
I am amazed in fact that they were given such freedom by their dad because they step-mom usually leans towards the controlling side. Only this year were they allowed to start watching PG-13 movies at their house. But I guess it is okay for them to run amok on a cruise ship, makes no sense to me.
I am just glad they are home.
I am happy your kids are home safely.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
I agree; that's way too much freedom/lack of supervision for kids that age.
ReplyDeleteNot good. You're right to be alarmed! Glad the kids were watching out for each other; you're doing a good job but ex needs to step it up a bit!
ReplyDeleteI guess noone could steal them on a cruise, but they could fall overboard (aren't you glad I said that after they returned?LOL). I'm all for curfews and shepherding! It sounds like you have great kids! Happy New Year!
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