Joseph Fuerst

All our local schools are out for Spring Break......and it's driving me
crazy!!

One neighbor Mom started a 10am-3pm job recently. Her disabled Hubby is
home, but he's like a non-entity. I'm feeling like the taken-for-granted
SAHM these days. Her DD was here ALL day Monday. Tuesday I planned a zoo
trip, but Courtney AND her brother showed up on my doorstep at 10:03 am!!
We still went, but it took almost an hour and a half to get ready because
those two were hanging around outside and my young ones were easily
distracted.
Today I planned our (usual) weekly library trip padded with a few
errands. Coutney showed up at 10:06am. Jenna, the 3yo, especially didn't
want to got to the library and fought so much I gave up. The toddler has a
cold....anyhow, I gave up on the library trip 'til this evening. Decided
to let Courtney play here until lunchtime. Well, the kid wouldn't go home
and wouldn't say why. i asked my 7 yr old to talk to her about what's going
on that she doesn't want to be at her house. She says maybe because her
dad's always yelling at her, but I asked her to talk it over with her
anyway.
So I need to confront this kid's mother before she assumes I'm a free
sitter service for the summer.
I wish I weren't so resentful and bothered by this.....but I am.
The other 'problem' I'm having is that the old fogey types on the street
seem to come to balme me for all their kid issues. This is probably
because I'm the only parent who sits outside to 'be' there, to keep my
toddler and three yr old safe, to remind the older ones about appropriate
parameters. One lady asked me why the girls have to scream so much. They
were all (about 10) doing gymnastics things, rolling on the ground ad
having fun. I didn't register any screaming, so I'm either deaf or
tolerant. (I was in her yard to re-direct my toddler out of her yard.) I
explained that I was getting him, apologized if he and I had disturbed
her....and replied about the screaming that it's the first day of Spring
Break for those kids (all freed from the repression of the school schedule -
and uniform for some) and that since it was a beautiful day to romp
outside, that's just what they neede to do. Then I walked away....and
thought SHEEEEESH!, lady, you have two dds. Do you not remember? Did
yours never squeal with the joy of jumpimg around? Do you forget when the
youngest turns 16? WHy do you live in this neighborhood anyway? Do you
think I'm responsible for you being disturbed? Have you considered getting
better windows? How 'bout thanking me for being the ONE adult who is
actually there and available if trouble begins to brew or if there are
questions and things going on?

Susan, frustrated and venting......and planning to go out by myself while
dd is at soccer practice this evening in the hope of re-couping some peace
and serenity....And NOT due to stress from the children, but FROM THE CRAZY
ADULTS!!
Susan