I almost lost my cool

As you know, it takes a lot for me to lose my temper and takes even more for me to lose my cool so badly that I hurt someone’s feelings or have the urge to beat them senseless. Tonight was one of those nights… and it was with a 12 year old girl. She is SO lucky I was able to control myself and remind myself that her behavior was due to an ignorant, classless mother who has no respect for authority and doesn’t realize her daughter will imitate such atrocious behavior than because this 12 year old girl wanted to purposely disrespect me in front of others…..

Background: I’m a pushover, I hate to hurt people’s feelings, I hate to leave anyone out and I hate for my girls to miss out on exciting adventures. That being said, when the rule is we leave at 4pm-no exceptions – it’s okay to show up at 5pm because Mrs. Teresa will wait. Or if a field trip permission slip is due on 1/27 along with money, Mrs. Teresa will collect it anytime in February and it’s alright.

I handed out paperwork for a field trip scheduled 2/13. The paperwork was handed out to the girls on January 7th with the understanding that all money AND the permission slip was due on January 27 (NO LATER THAN- Jan 27.) I sent out weekly reminders of said field trip and reminded the girls at EVERY meeting that time was running short, no exceptions it was due on 1/27. SO, that being said and me being me, on the 27th when I realized I only had 3 of my 10 girls signed up for the Field trip, I sent out an email that said, we’re low, you have and additional 24 hours to email/call me to let me know if you are interested in going. I can hold off on registering for this event until 5pm on the 28th. SUCKER! I had 2 responses with yes and 2 responses with no. I heard nothing from 3 girls/parents. So, being the math wiz that I am, I registered and paid for 6 girls. DUMB! After I realized my mistake, I decided to do the nice thing (and get my money back) and on our 2/4 meeting I said, “I’ve got 1 space left for the field trip for anyone interested – first come, first serve basis. Whoever gives me money and a signed permission slip TONIGHT will get that final space.” Right away 2 of my girls got excited, they really wanted that spot so at the end of the meeting one of the girls ran to mom and immediately gave me the appropriate stuff. Mom #2 was late, had to run to an ATM and get her money not realizing I was finalizing the deal on the final spot. She comes back tries to hand me the money and I say too late. I CAN’T register any more girls, the cut-off date has passed. She doesn’t say anything, never mentioned being upset or anything.

This past Saturday I get an email from her informing me she was upset at how I handled it, why would I only register 6 girls when we have 10 girls. It’s not fair to the other girls, they didn’t get a chance to go, they can’t be with their troop. She’s VERY upset. Luckily I was in a good mood. I NICELY responded by stating it’s the girls responsibility to get this paperwork to me on time, they had ample time and plenty of reminders. I did not just chose 6 girls to go, FIVE registered on time and 1 got the chance due to a mistake on my part (THAT will NEVER happen again) I informed her she had plenty of time to email or call me to register her daughter or turn in the paperwork at any of the 3 previous meetings and that they both(mom & daughter) failed to get that too me in time. I thought I was nice and I thought the matter was settled…… Silly me……

Tonight: I’ve got a packet of information for the girls 3 upcoming field trips, 3 months of calendars filled with our activities. I say, “Listen up girls, we need to talk about time limits and permission slips. I’ve got some issues we need to discuss concerning when paperwork is due and being on time for field trips (camping trip).”  The little girl who was upset concerning this current field trip looks up at me and says, “I didn’t want to go on that stupid trip anyway. It is dumb and YOU wouldn’t take my stuff.” OH HELL NO! I politely said to the girls that since *** decided to blurt out that she was one of the guilty persons who were unable to get their paperwork in on time then she would have no problem catching all my anger at the lack of responsibility this troop has. Before I could speak again she said, “It’s not my fault you wouldn’t let me turn in my stuff, you didn’t give me time, you just didn’t want me to go.” WHERE does she get this mouth? She’s usually one of my sweetest girls!! Gloves are off, I spouted off about my wasting my time in a troop that has no respect for their leaders and/or authority figures. Why waste my time on a group of ungrateful children. I spend so much time working with you girls and you can’t even be gracious enough to bring in your homework each week or wear your darn vests – THAT I WENT TO COUNCIL TO PICK UP (to ease the stress from your parents)  She’s so lucky she’s only 12 because I was so pissed I wanted to smack her. Her mom usually comes in to visit – tonight she dropped the kid off outside and then had another mom pick up the girl and take her home. I have the urge to call her and let her know how disrespectful her brat was tonight. No more Mrs Nice person… I’m fed up and there will be no more of me being a pushover! BRATS!!! GRRRRRRR!!!

On a happy note… I was able to sleep last night.. woke up a few times but no lingering dreams/nightmares WHEW!!!