Why is my mom making me do this when school starts?

Question

My school does not start until 7:45. I get up at 6:45. Then I eat, shower, and dress into my school uniform. Then I walk to school.

I've only been late 3 times all last semester, but 3 tardies in a semester = 1 detention. So I served it the last Friday before break. It was my first one ever, and my mom was furious that I was becoming such a "bad girl." I'd say over 75% of kids are late 3 or more times a semester. (I was late during the first week of school, on Halloween since my costume was acting weird, and about 2 weeks ago since I was finishing a paper and fell asleep at my computer).

So now this is her new rule. I have to be dressed in my school uniform by 6:00 AM. This mean I have to get up to shower at like 5:30. At 6:00, I must be in my school uniform with my shirt tucked in all ready to go. But since it only takes 20 minutes to walk to school, I pretty waste an hour (6-7) in my uniform to eat breakfast and do nothing.

Why is she making me do this?

How does this help me?

Answer 1

It's a parent thing, and likely one that won't last long...and there will be many more in your future. Learn to negotiate.

Why not offer a compromise, split the difference with her for now ? Ofter to see if 30 minutes shift in your time is more appropriate, and if you're still late, then make it longer as needed. On the other hand, it may prove that 15 minutes is all you need and you can reduce it.

Work the problem with Mom. She thinks she is being helpful, so respect that when you talk to her.

Answer 2

I suspect her biggest complaint is your inability to see your own responsibility in getting to school on time every time. You laid down a habit by showing up late three times, and your mother is trying to give you a new, and equally fun habit. Being on time! Smile it's an hour every morning that you can use to plan how you'll do things differently when you are a parent! Or spend it mentally decorating her room in the nursing home you'll someday get to pick for her. It does all get oddly even in the end.

Answer 3

Teens don't get enough sleep as it is. I'd give her a copy of this question and all the answers. I've got a feeling that she's not going to come out looking too good here. If need be, just do what she says and take the extra time in school to do some homework, but as a former instructor (college, not high school) I wanted my students to be alert!

Answer 4

The deal here is that you don't want to be late. What your mother's trying to help you learn is to plan ahead for contingencies. I think you and your mother can work out the time thing, but for now go along with what she's put in place and see how it works out.

Answer 5

omg. i wake up at 6:50 and leave the house at 7:00

Answer 6

she is preparing you for your future, sure three tardies at school, no big deal a day of detention, but 3 tardies to work could be grounds for termination!

Answer 7

She wants you to succeed. It is not a terrible thing. Time is on your side. Use that extra time to your advantage. Think, I am in control of myself. Think positively!

Answer 8

Talk to you're counselor or psychiatrist about this situation. I highly recommend it.

Answer 9

basic rules of parenting!

SHE IS PREPARING YOU FOR LATER LIFE!

If she is enforcing this now, it will teach you that you have responsibilities in later life that you must take seriously, and this is just one way of showing you that!

Answer 10

She's helping build your character....find something constructive to do for that hour.