Because I Said So
Rules in our house were usually made between my husband and me. But, perhaps that is because they were girls, at the very end of our discussions, it seemed that I (Mama) ruled. This could be based on style, activities, chores, school, and church events. Now, when it came to discipline, I believe Art ruled. He didn’t have to make these hardcore decisions very often because, for some reason, I tried to shield him from the (really bad stuff). I think I didn’t want him to be upset and/or disappointed in his daughters. (By the way, today I don’t think that was a good idea at all.)
I always worked out of the home, so it was imperative that we all chipped in and tried (key word tried) to keep the household in order. We are a varied sort of individuals with all sorts of tastes and activities, so this became a rather burdensome chore. The girls were ruled by Mama on Saturday mornings to clean the house as I worked until noon on those days. Another mama ruled order. This happened rather successfully, without mentioning the frequent phone calls by said girls as to who was doing what, who was doing more, you get it. I would go grocery shopping after work to give them some more time to complete this daunting task. It worked most of the time.
I always loved to decorate and especially like to redo bedrooms. So, again, Mama ruled. I pretty much chose the colors, Lisa – pink/green and white; Chelle – yellow/gold, yellow/red, and finally yellow and country blue. I then took it from there and recreated what I thought were wonderful results. For some reason, when it comes to decorating, I am very opinionated and determined in what I like. I should have let them pick and choose, but I must have felt they were incapable or something like that. You see – mama rules. Today, I would do things differently, but back then, it was the way I felt it had to be.
My big mama rule is that they kept their rooms organized and clean. Lisa had a knack for stuffing things under her bed and between the mattress. After Michelle noticed a trail of ants going into her closet for some food, obviously hidden in there, she became more willing to let Mama rule and keep her room clean and tidy. Even when Lisa and her husband were building their home and came to live with us with several cats and dogs, Mama ruled that Lisa would try desperately to keep their things organized and clean. (You say what about Craig, he is male after all!)
Mama doesn’t seem to be very flexible in her early years, but boy, have things changed. Just so many trials and errors, and you finally submit and go with the flow. And then come grandchildren, and that is a whole other kettle of fish! (Mama rules go out the window.)
When Mama’s rules aren’t met, Mama gets crazy. She, on the other hand, has no rules.
Whose to rule mama?
Click here to check out other Sidetracked opinions
Click here to listen to the Overcoming Writer’s Block podcast
Want to create your own legacy? Join the Sidetracked Sisters and start now!
Ever thought about working with a Life Coach? Are you creative or a writer who is frustrated with your inability to do the work you so desperately feel called to do? Check out Lisa Hoffman Coaching.
#sidetrackedsisters #sidetrackedsandy #sidetrackedlegacies #legacywriting #legacystories #writeyourownlegacy #LisaHoffmanCoaching #mamarules #familylife #motherhoodtruths #parentingstories #householdrules #momwisdom #familymemories #organizedchaos #momlife #cleanhouse #parentingjourney #funnyparenting #nostalgicparenting #decoratingdrama #momhumor
