Fun times with the middle child

Last updated: 09/10/2014 10:01 by AoifeOCarroll to AoifeOCarroll's Blog
Filed under: MummyBloggers
Sometimes being a mother seems to revolve around ranting. It's either “Go to bed” or “Get up,” “Come inside and do your homework!” or “Go outside and get some fresh air!”
 
You feel your hands plant themselves firmly on your hips and phrases like, “Do you think I'm made of money?” and “I'll bet Sophie/Jack/Isaiah doesn't talk to his/her mother like that!” slip from your lips, exactly as you swore they never would.
 
But that was back when you were handed your first-born, and the drugs had not quite worn off yet. Still, there are times when we probably all secretly wish there was a little less cracking the whip and little more craic to parenting.
 
Our distant ancestors were more concerned about getting bison on the table and ensuring that as few of their offspring as possible were carried off by wolves than planning memorable experiences for their children. We may have the luxury of not having to worry about our kids being devoured by wild beasts, but that does ramp up the pressure to ensure their childhoods are not just survived, but enjoyed.
 
This is especially so with middle children, given the constant concern that they will be bullied by their older siblings or neglected in favour of their younger ones. So what do you do? Well, if you’re me, you bring them to see one of their favourite bands as a 14th birthday present.
 
I bought the tickets for Arcade Fire, booked the train and the hotel, and looked forward to a weekend of precious time alone with my middle son, safe in the knowledge that he wouldn't mind being seen with his mother 200 miles from home.
 
It was an unqualified success: The band was magnificent, the rain stayed away, the wafts of highly fragrant herbal smoke did not render either of us unconscious, and my son made no attempt to escape from me. Beaming broadly and humming tunelessly as we left the gig, I felt confident that I had created a golden memory; so confident, in fact, that I asked him what he thought.
 
He smiled tolerantly at me and replied: “It was great, Mum, but, you know, I don't get the same buzz out of things I used to when I was younger.” Fun times really are hard work.
 
Aoife O'Carroll is a separated mum of two boys aged 17 and 14, and a 10-year-old girl, living in Co. Kerry.
Déanta in Éirinn - Sheology
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