As parents, waiting for our children to finish their activities can often feel like an exercise in patience. One mother, fed up with her sons’ slow pace, decided to take an unconventional approach.
Meet Laura Thompson, a mother of four who also works as a teacher and librarian. Laura, who shares her insights on her blog, Raising Independent Learners, recently recounted an incident where she drove away without her two oldest sons during carpool.
The Incident
She describes the scene: “I sat in the carpool line on a sweltering August day for 27 minutes, watching other parents pick up their kids, while mine seemed to take forever after football practice. My younger son had a Boy Scout camping trip to attend, and I just couldn’t wait any longer.”
When her sons finally appeared, ambling towards the car and stopping to chat with friends, Laura made a bold choice. “My anxiety peaked, and as they strolled slowly, I shifted my car into drive and left,” she recalled, emphasizing how freeing that moment felt.
The boys were safe, surrounded by other adults, and Laura reflected on how much of her parenting life had been spent waiting for them, which left her feeling undervalued. “It can be disheartening to always be in a position of waiting for those you love,” she noted.
Lessons Learned
Fortunately, her sons learned several important lessons from this experience. Firstly, they understood the value of “hustling.” Laura encouraged them to not just hustle for their coaches, but to embody that ethos in all areas of life. This mindset has helped them secure summer jobs over the years by impressing adults with their determination.
The second lesson was resourcefulness. After being left, the boys had to find their own way home and managed to catch a ride with an older neighbor. “They learned to fend for themselves, which even surprised me,” Laura admitted.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, they grasped the concept of consideration. “That day, they realized the world doesn’t revolve around them,” Laura explained. They learned that while they are cherished, their mother has her own life and priorities too.
Reflections on Parenting
Laura’s sons are now young adults, with one in law school and the other in college, and she has gained valuable insights through her parenting journey. When we spoke with her, she shared advice for raising children who will thrive: “Set expectations through your own actions and seize teachable moments to show how their behavior affects others. Don’t hesitate to uphold high standards.”
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Conclusion
In summary, Laura Thompson’s choice to leave her sons at carpool led to significant life lessons for her kids, emphasizing the importance of hustle, ingenuity, and consideration.