Getting used to DD being 18
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| Wed, 03-07-2007 - 2:01pm |
My DD turned 18 on Mon. We really didn't do anything big, just a cake at home. Her father took her out to eat. I am going tonight to the mall to buy her requested BD present, which was---eyeglasses! She has had contacts for a couple of years but wants glasses also.
I jokingly warned her that now any crimes she commits will follow her around for all eternity. Not that I expect her to commit any felonies, but I hope she won't do something stupid, like get caught w/ alcohol. Around here, there have been stores in the paper that certain police depts. will charge everyone they catch at a party where alcohol is served as being in "possession" of alcohol, even if they weren't drinking. To me, that seems like kind of over-kill. What's the use of being the "designated driver" or abstaining if they are going to be charged anyway? Yes, I know it's illegal and they shouldn't be doing it. But I'm going off the topic.
Last night was the big multi-state Megamillions drawing for over $300 million, so of course I bought a tick. I was surprised when DD said she bought a few lottery tickets too. I was just starting to say "how did you buy a ticket" when I remembered she can do that now. Maybe her dad can take her to the casino and teach her how to play blackjack! Another think to look forward to.
Also, now she can legally drive after midnight. Another joy! In one way, it's good because I don't have to be looking at the clock worrying that she is going to get a ticket. She has this habit of stretching everything to the limit, so she would be home at exactly midnight, or maybe 5 mins. later. I still don't want her to stay out much later unless there is a certain reason for it, like a dance or I know she's going to a late movie and needs some extra time to drive home. my DH (her stepD) just told her she could come home whatever time I told her to, but please just don't wake him up.
I feel like I'm in this limbo where she's legally an adult, but I'm still responsible at least until she goes away to college. We already had that discussion about being 18 doesn't mean you can do whatever you want as long as you live here. If you really want to do whatever you want, you can move out and support yourself. I'm sure that's not going to be an option.

Happy birthday to your DD!!
Luckily, 18 isn't the same age, so to speak, as when I turned 18. We could legally go into bars, and drink and do all *kinds* of fun stuff! LOL My ds turned 18 while he was still in hs, but thankfully we didn't have a lot of "I'm a legal adult and can do what I want" stuff. We were already past his rebellion stage so the turning 18 went pretty smoothly. :)
And LOL at the comment on criminal activity! Sad, but true, and it certainly doesn't hurt to remind them of that little fact. ;)
Happy B'day to DD!!
I think if you all just go about your business as usual all will be fine. Try to put aside any reservations or expectations or fears you have about her newfound 'freedoms' of being 18 and just get back to normal. She is in school and she is still responsible to you and her school as a student and member of the family.
If the worst thing she does as an 18 y/o is buy a lottery ticket, count yourself as very lucky!! All the 18 y/o's around here run out a get a tattoo on their birthday! No lie.
Congrats!
All 3 of my DSs turned 18 early in their senior year, but the only thing we really saw different was that the school no longer called us about grade or discipline issues - and wouldn't tell me anything if I asked. Two of the three handled that responsibility well, the other gave me plenty of headaches over it, but it worked out in the end.
J & S went and got tattoos just before they turned 19, the week before J left for basic training. Kind of a male bonding experience/brotherhood thing I suppose. They've had them for 3 years now, and I don't even notice them anymore. I'm not a huge fan of tattoos, but theirs have just become part of their appearance - and most of the time you can't see them anyway. J's is on his upper arm, nearly to his shoulder, S's is on his chest. S also has a second one that he got just before he got engaged - in high school he'd done a homemade tattoo on his ankle of his then-g/f's name, and before he got engaged he got a professional tattoo done over it coz he didn't want to be marked with another woman's name when he asked C to marry him. Never see that one either - it's low enough on his ankle that even low rise socks cover it.
Rose