Comments on: Always Running Late? The Unintended Message You’re Sending Your Kids

By: Serenity

Serenity — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 20:42:56 +0000

I have issues with my mom being late constantly. I’ll let her know weeks ahead that I have something coming up to try and make sure she is aware. I’m only 15 and everytime I bring it up my mom gets angry and defensive and blames it on her adha or the weather or the job she was working so on so forth. Today I have a birthday party at 4 (I told her about it before school even started and it is now sept. 25th) and she is texting me telling me she will leave at 3, 3:30, 4…… the party is half an hour from my house plus I need to get a gift for my close friend. Now I won’t get there till close to 5:50- 6. This stuff happens all of the time and it hurts a lot because I can’t control it. we always have last minute plans with no structure, and I am by no means an organized person! I just like a small heads up and some respect for my time? But my time doesn’t matter because I am not an adult. I love my mom, she is an excellent accepting person. But this hurts me quite a bit.

By: Katelyn Fagan

Katelyn Fagan — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 03:06:19 +0000

In reply to Jenny @ Unremarkable Files. Phew! I'm glad you enjoyed it! I was worried what people who are late all the time would think of it. I don't think those who are late all the time are horrible parents, and that's why I didn't say such a thing. We all have our weaknesses and our limitations, and I don't know why each parent is late, so how can I make such a judgment call? I do think though that you have to be aware of how being late, and more than just a few minutes (really the post is for those who are more than 15 minutes or so) can negatively affect your kids, because I was one of those kids.

By: Jenny @ Unremarkable Files

Jenny @ Unremarkable Files — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 02:27:50 +0000

Great post. I read this with fear because I’m one of those people who’s always late. Not very often to pick up my kids, though, and usually then it’s only by a few minutes. Still, I appreciated your suggestions at the end, and was glad you didn’t end on a note like “And if you’re late, you’re a horrible parent. The end.”

By: Katelyn Fagan

Katelyn Fagan — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 15:34:15 +0000

In reply to Chelsea D. Yes! Getting my driver's license was so helpful or when my older siblings finally did. We were sick of waiting for ever after school for rides, or after practices.

By: Chelsea D

Chelsea D — Tue, 17 Mar 2015 15:20:27 +0000

I can agree with this! My mom was always late! When I could finally drive myself I made sure I was always on time. Helped my anxiety a lot!

By: Katelyn Fagan

Katelyn Fagan — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 17:38:56 +0000

In reply to Corinne. Thanks Corinne! Yes, of course having kids is often a factor in why we are now late all the time as parents, but I think it is very important to put in those buffers, because, even if you have to rush around like crazy to be on time, at least the lesson being taught is that you are valuing others, yourself, and your children. :)

By: Corinne

Corinne — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 17:36:33 +0000

Great post! I used to be one of those people who was ALWAYS early. Having children changed that because though I could control my time and actions, I had only some control over theirs. It took me years to realize that when my kids claim to be “ready” to go, they actually needed another 5 minutes to get shoes on, find their jacket, etc. Also, the more people you add to the operation, the more likely it is that some unexpected time suck will occur just before you leave. I now build in a 15 minute buffer to allow for these things. It not only prevents my kids from thinking I don’t value them. It also teaches them to value other people’s time.