When the Rules Change. . . .

My current situation has got me thinking a lot lately . . . . . Granted, I got myself into this situation, but what do you do when the rules change - or rather, it has me wondering, When do the rules change?

In most cases, I believe, that our parents have taught us right from wrong. I believe that they teach you to respect your elders, to show kindness to others, to do what is right. I grew up in a very strict home. My parents, my Dad particularly, was very strict with me, being the oldest of four girls. As with most families, I assume, as the years came and went - my parents lightened up a bit. By the time that I was out of the house, and living on my own, my sisters were in trouble for things that I would never dream of doing.

*** Fast forward

Though I have had my share of troubles, I believe myself to be a god person. I try my best to be a good friend, sister, daughter, mother and wife.

I suppose that all those years of "training" have had some effect on me. I mean, it has shaped me into the person that I am today. Though my parents may have been overly strict - I still agree with most of their training - to a point. For example, I believe that a boy and girl should not be in their bedroom alone, with the door closed (we've all been there and know what goes on .... need I say more); I feel awkward watching a hot and steamy scene on a movie while my parents and grandmother are in the room. Catch my drift? I mean really, I'm not a prude. I have two children - and a great sex life (just ask my husband). But I guess you can say that I am a bit old school when it comes to things like this.

Odd as it is - I find myself in a situation where I feel like the mother. My family (husband and children) are currently living with my father, and two of my sisters, one which has a two year old daughter. My sister is still somewhat childish - and her lack of responsibility, and motherly instinct drives me crazy! My 50 year old father has just started dating again - and this is a little weird for all of us.

It's not that I care so much what they do - but it bothers me when it comes to my children. I don't approve of any actions that would cause my children to ask "those" questions. Perhaps I am just not ready to have to explain to them why their grandma and grandpa are not married, or why grandma has a boyfriend - and grandpa a girlfriend. I don't want to explain why their cousins daddy only comes to see her once every few months - and then stays the night in aunties room.

Seriously! Am I the only person that this bothers? When did the rules change? Just because my father is 50 - does it mean that it is okay that he takes his girlfriend to his room? (Which is right across the hall from where my boys sleep.) And my sister - her three year - on-again off-again relationship had me tired. Her baby daddy doesn't seem to really care about her. He lives in another city about 10+ hours away - doesn't pay his child support, or help contribute raising his child in any way - has repeatedly been seeing other women - and has the audacity to tell her how to raise his child. Yeah! Get a clue buddy! And then she makes it so easy for him to stomp all over her. And just before he comes into town - or she goes to see him, they make up so that they can play the happy little family - as if we can not see right through the bull-shit. And I'm supposed to be ok when he comes into town and wants to sleep in her room. Really! No, not happening. And it's not that I believe them to be doing anything in there - it's just the point! The moral reasoning behind it all. I mean does anyone else see what I am talking about?

I'm not trying to be their mother, but when do the rules change? The things that were once unacceptable and frowned upon become the norm. I may not be their parent - but I am the parent, the mother to two impressionable little ones, who happen to live under the same roof. Lord help me! I'm trying my absolute best to keep my big mouth shut! But I am having a rather difficult time this time around. 6 months to go and I am counting down - believe me.