Willing To Help A Friend

“Z” called me at 12:30 and asked if he could go to his friend’s house. I really like his friend; I’ll refer to him as “A” from now on. I said “Yes, but you need to call me when you get to his house.” “Z” agreed and left. Well, come 1 o’clock I still had not heard from him. “A” lives 2 minutes away, so I called and got no answer. Oh Boy, my mind starts to think awful things but alas, the phone rings, it’s “Z”. He says “I am sorry I forgot to call. I was helping “A” and his brother clean the basement.” I replied ”Oh OK, well you need to remember to call me.” I give him his new time to check in, we exchange “I luv U’s” and get off the phone.

Now, what got me about this whole conversation was “I was helping “A” and his brothers clean the basement.” Hmmm, you won’t even help me clean the basement or anything else for that matter. I have to beg and bribe to get you to help me.

Don’t get me wrong, he has to make his bed everyday, pick up his room, clean it thoroughly on Wednesday, washes dishes three days a week and bring the trash to the road. He knows this and most of the time it is without argument. Outside of that, NO WAY, it is like pulling teeth for anything extra. He will clean the car, usually because there is money involved!

So I guess there is a lot to say for a little boy, or as “Z” would say “Teenager” who is willing to help a friend do a chore that nobody looks forward to doing, even adults. Never mind doing with no reward what’s so ever except a good old fashion “Thank You”.

And they told me my son had no empathy and very little motivation to help others!
What do they know!!