FFS Parents: Wake Up!

You worry about your kids, don't you? It's only natural. 

But I don't like to interfere in my son's life too much. I asked him where he was going once, and he gave me such a look, I decided I'd respect his privacy in the future, so now I don't ask....

I was a bit worried about some of the other teenagers he was hanging around with, but he comes home safe every night: well, I must admit he doesn't actually come home at all some nights, but when he does, he comes home safe. I don't know where he's been all night when we don't see him. I don't like to pry.

I suggested to him a few months back that now he's fifteen, he might like to consider getting himself a part time job. "It'll give you some spending money of your own," I told him. I wanted to say that it might teach him a bit about responsibility too, but I didn't mention that, in case it upset him.

"Don't worry about it mum," he said, "I'm ok for money. I have it all in hand" 

I must say I was worried about how he'd manage. Of course his dad and I give him whatever pocket money he needs, any amount he asks for in fact. But of course he needs things like smart phones and iPods. And those designer labels and trainers don't come cheap you know. After all, we don't want him to appear deprived when he's with his friends.

Anyway, it seems my worries were unfounded. He is ok for money. He must be, though I don't know how, (I don't like to pry,) but the other day he came home early in the morning and I suspect he must have been working hard on a night shift somewhere because he was exhausted, almost like he'd been running  all night.

But the money he's getting must be good, because he seems to have already done all his Christmas shopping. He's got everybody a pair of Reeboks. (I don't know when I'll wear mine, and I'm sure his gran won't be too impressed, but it's the thought that counts.) He's also got his little brother a new games console, and one of those new iPad things. He's bought me and his dad a lovely plasma telly, though not quite as nice as the one he now has in his own bedroom. But then, if he's gone to all the trouble of getting them, he deserves the best for himself.

I've just switched his on while I'm cleaning his room. It's a lovely picture. Even the news looks beautiful and I don't usually watch the news, (well, I don't like to pry.) Oh! what's all this about riots and looting?