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Because she said so, that’s why
By Christina Quick | January 9, 2008
Here’s a news story that caught my eye this morning. An Iowa woman who calls herself the “meanest mom on the planet” is selling her teenager’s car after discovering alcohol in it.
Jane Hambleton ran an ad in the local newspaper that 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.”
Hambleton’s phone has been ringing off the hook as strangers call to congratulate her for taking a firm stand.
Yep, parents sometimes have to make tough decisions that aren’t necessarily popular with the kids. I’m not sure public humiliation is always the best tack. But I still say good for her for putting the kibosh on unacceptable — and potentially deadly — behavior.
What do you think about the way this mom handled things?
Topics: In the news |
January 9th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
I think this lady is a very good mom. I agree with Christina about public humiliation maybe going too far. Perhaps the child is hard-headed and his mother (parents) felt this was the only way to get through to their son. At least if an alien landed at these folks house and asked, “take me to your leader”, the boy would most certainly NOT say, “you’re lookin’ at him; he’d point to his parents–proudly!
January 9th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Interesting story. It’s news not only because of the humorous way she worded the sales ad, but because too many parents are afraid to be bad friends to their child when they’re supposed to worry about being good parents. I bet the son will thank them … some day.
January 9th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
The mother was right to take action. Selling the car may seem like a difficult thing for the kid to bear but he should learn his lesson. Printing the reason for selling the car may, however, have been going a bit too far.
January 11th, 2008 at 10:36 am
I salute this mother who cared enough for her son to intervene in his life, when it seems that many parents are afraid to do that.