Taking Back the Title - Meanest Mom
Jane Hambleton just improved my image with my kids. Damn! And here I had such a good thing going too! I’ve really got to put some thought into taking back the title!
Jane Hambleton has dubbed herself the “meanest mom on the planet.”
After finding alcohol in her son’s car, she decided to sell the car and share her 19-year-old’s misdeed with everyone — by placing an ad in the local newspaper.
The ad reads: “OLDS 1999 Intrigue. Totally uncool parents who obviously don’t love teenage son, selling his car. Only driven for three weeks before snoopy mom who needs to get a life found booze under front seat. $3,700/offer. Call meanest mom on the planet.”
There are many parents out there applauding the actions of Jane Hambleton, but how many actually would actually follow in her shoes?
I just don’t think many parents know how to ground and punish effectively anymore.
What’s the most creative punishment you’ve come up with so far? What did the kid do to deserve it?
Com’on, we all have those classic parenting moments that made us feel like the most creative and most hated parent on the planet. Don’t we?
Thanks Weary Parent for the tip
Tags: jane hambleton, punishment, creative punishment, grounding, restriction, parenting, parenting teens, classic parenting moments
11 opinions for Taking Back the Title - Meanest Mom
marye
Jan 10, 2008 at 8:59 am
First, my husband sent this story to me by email yesterday with the title” You have Been One Upped”
I am a very creative discipliner..having gotten many of my hints from Mrs Pigglewiggle. :)
I had one child that would kick walls when angry so we had her go and kick the brick facade of the house for 15 minutes until she just really disliked wall kicking. Slamming doors means you have the joy of walking in and out of a room for as long as it takes to make you loathe to EVER slam a door again…
BMS
Jan 10, 2008 at 11:34 am
When my kids were 4 and 5, they whined, complained and threw fits about having to do chores. These *impossible* chores included putting their clothes in the hamper, clearing their plates when they were done eating, and feeding the fish. So one day, I locked up all the toys and we had a day of REAL chores. They scrubbed floors on their hands and knees, sorted and put away laundry, cleaned the banisters on the staircase, vacuumed, dusted, and anything else I could think of that would not involve dangerous chemicals or equipment. After that day, I asked “Now do you think your chores are hard?” All I have to do is remind them of that day now, and I get the chores I want done right away.
Kadi Prescott
Jan 10, 2008 at 1:50 pm
When my daughter was seven, she grafittied a lunch table at school, at the prodding of her peers. Eventhough this was her first offense ever, we had to make sure that she would remember how serious her violation of rules was.
First, we made her write a letter of aopology to her teacher and the principal. Then, we grounded her from the Disneyland trip that she was supposed to take the following day, with her cousin.
It was harsh, yes, but she has never done anything to violate a school rule since!
Kadi Prescott
Jan 10, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Here’s another harsh punishment moment, for your shock and awe:
My 5 and 6 year old boys were having their cousins stay the night. While they were playing outside, they found a spray paint can that a worker had left behind. Thet decided to be cool and write on our wall.
My husband handed out scrub brushes and solution, and made them clean up the mess. Then they were made to go around the neighborhood and find other grafitti spots to clean up.
People say that our home is the house of hard knocks. If it keeps their noses clean, I can live with such a name!
Kadi Prescott
Jan 10, 2008 at 2:00 pm
okay, we have a lot of kids and therefore, a lot of stories. Here’s one more:
My son is a pyromaniac of sorts. What boy isn’t? Anyway, he stole a lighter and hid behind a shed in the backyard. He had lit a plastic cup on fire and realized that he couldn’t put it out, so he set it on our wood fence and ran off. Did he tell us? Heck no!
A neighbor finally knocked on the door and told us that our fence was on fire. Unfortunately, we had buyers looking at our house when this happened. Not the best showing we ever had! Our son’s punishment was to help his dad rebuild the fence. We also went online and showed him some gruesome photos of children who had been severely burned by playing with fire.
I think it cured him!
Gayla McCord
Jan 11, 2008 at 7:36 am
Great stories! Creative parenting is the best part of parenting. I say the more creative the punishment, the more likely the kid is to remember it. If it’s the same old boring treatment, there’s nothing there to stand out.
BMS
Jan 11, 2008 at 8:03 am
I tell my kids that we parents plot and scheme when they are not looking. This site is proof. Buahahahaha.
jane
Jan 11, 2008 at 9:03 am
Here’s some advice for the kid.
Find a good job that pays well (i was an sat tutor in high school, and charging my peers excessive rates but under kaplan) and worked my ass off for a summer to buy myself a car. I bought my own car, pay my OWN insurance.. so if you do that, your mom cant tell you what to do with your car or do something retarded like that. God, what a horrible mom. Mine wouldnt do that. I’m 19
Gayla McCord
Jan 11, 2008 at 9:14 am
Jane, just curious as to whether or not you still live at home with your parents?
Who pays the house payment?
Who buys the food?
Who pays the utilities?
tabbi
Jan 17, 2008 at 10:21 am
Okay, so I’m very new to this sight. I’m not a parent yet. 24, married, about to buy a house. Next step: kids !?! I’m so thankful for a sight to come to. All of you are so great! Love all the creative ideas. I’m a little ways away from using them, but I cant wait.
Understanding Teenagers » Are you meaner than this?
Jan 18, 2008 at 6:27 am
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