Parenting 09.02.07

I realised long ago that parenting is at best a rather hit and miss affair, and if you have teenage daughters you are doomed to feel totally inadequate. Laura's sixth form information evening on Wednesday was particularly frustrating. Laura is well motivated, determined and she always knows her own mind, so it is hardly surprising that she already knows the A Levels that she wants to do, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geography. All we had to do was turn up, listen to a presentation about Sixth Form and go to presentations about course content for her chosen subjects.

You wouldn't think that was too difficult, but you would be wrong. First you get the "What are you wearing mum?" and the disapproving looks that go with whatever choice you make. Then there are the instructions given in the car, "Don't ask any questions, don't talk to anyone, don't look at me and don't embarrass me". I wonder how I struggled through life before Laura was around to keep me in line!! During the evening whatever I did seemed to be wrong, any suggestion or comment was taken as criticism and provoked a very prickly reaction from Laura. I could more or less cope with all that, but what really bugs me is Robbie's part in all this. He is very good and always makes sure he gets home in time for parent's evenings. He never gets lectured about what to wear, not even when he has a distinctly dubious tie. He gets away with talking to people, asking questions and generally being 'visible', He never gets accused of being critical or of embarrassing Laura!! I think Laura likes to show him off to all her friends, they all think he is really cool. I am mystified! I suppose he is quite different compared to most of the dads, after all he is quite different compared to most people, but I am not sure the world could cope with too many Robbies! He did push things a little to far on Wednesday when he rather smugly tried to give me advice on parenting. He remained unharmed - but only because I was driving at the time!