Normally, it’s an “Us and Them” environment with the four of us. Parents in the front seat chatting. Kids in the backseat ignoring or annoying each other. Parents on one side of the dinner table and kids on the other. During family conversations, no matter how much foolishness occurs, the parents are still the voice of reason. It’s not an “Us against Them” situation. But you’ve got to admit that when dealing with teenagers, there’s safety in numbers.
This past weekend I noticed a shift. As usual, I was out numbered in the boy-to-girl ratio but this time it was different. Without G-Man present to molecularly bond with Mr. A, my Sweetie gravitated to our eldest son and some father-son, male bonding occurred.
Friday night after I checked my email, I walked out of the den to find S and A each sipping a glass of Old Vine Zinfandel and discussing the finer points of wine and food pairings. I shook my head, turned around, and went back to the den to play a round of Bejewel. Eventually, Mr. A decided that wine is an acquired taste.
On the drive to IKEA Saturday afternoon, I let Mr. A have the front seat. I dozed in the back while the men folk discussed gas prices, world politics, the Navy, and who knows what else. This conversation carried through dinner at a new Japanese restaurant where they shared a huge sushi boat.
Sunday we checked out a place called Livingston’s as a potential location for Mr. A’s going away party. The place is kind of like Chuck E Cheese for adults and is just as gross as the kid’s version. But they have a go cart track! So the boys went for a spin.
As my guys raced around the track, I reflected on their behavior that weekend. I marveled at it. I was thrilled that my husband and son enjoy each other’s company. I smiled every time I saw my son unknowingly mimicked one of my husband’s gestures. Nurture certainly won the Nature vs. Nurture debate in our family.
This weekend was a little odd for me and I felt slightly displaced at times. But overall, it warmed my heart. Also, I’m now curious what the dynamics amongst S, G-Man, and myself will be like when Mr. A is away at school.
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G-Man’s Big Adventure Update:
Yesterday evening I hadn’t heard from G-Man since breakfast so I texted him and asked him what they did that day. This is his reply:
Well… we drove 2 hours to the skywalk, and went on it. Then we took a helicopter ride through the Grand Canyon. Then we landed in the canyon and took a boat ride on the Colorado River.
What a totally awesome day! Who’s jealous? Because I’m jealous!
Today they went to the Hoover Dam and this was G-Man's texted re-cap of the day:
It was pretty good for a Dam. We did take a Dam tour. Had some Dam food. Took lots of Dam pics and went in the Dam gift store.
Yes, my son is a smart-ass and he comes by it naturally.
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Your Turn
Have you noticed if your family dynamics change when a child, sibling, parent, or spouse is absent?
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Cell Phone Pic (CPP) 3.8.11
An old pump house on the property adjacent to where I work.
2 comments:
It's great that you guys get along so well. So many kids don't get along with their parents at all. I've so been the third wheel or extra person around our house at times.
So glad G-man is doing good. Sounds like they are having a dam good time.
As a threesome, I'm not sure we experience anything quite so dramatic. It is nice that the boys got some boy-time. Also, I'm completely jealous of G-man's vacation. Truly one of my dream trips.
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