What's it like to be the parent of "that kid"?

The Christmas program was this morning, and it started out okay. Char just needed a little help to find her spot in the front of the church.

When she got up there, she seemed pretty happy. She's third from the left. And look at those cute sheep!

But then Angel #5 noticed that the audience was bigger than just Mom and Dad, and Angel #5 got a bad case of stage fright.

At first she played with her halo and turned her back on everyone. I believe this is called an "avoidance technique".

Later, a high school helper had to lead her to where she was supposed to stand with the other angels, but she wouldn't face the audience. That's when she felt "tired".

She did say her line, "Me, too!" And she's pretty easy to understand.

So, what's it's like being the parent of "that kid"?

The initial, honest answer is that you're embarrassed. No one wants their child rolling around on the ground while the other kids are belting out "Silent Night". Also, the tension in your body makes your back hurt.

Then you feel helpless. Since she can't hear you whisper, "C'mon, get up!" from where you are sitting, and mental telepathy doesn't work, you can't correct her behavior. You also can't storm up to front of the church and grab your child. That would only make things worse. Plus, you'd really throw out your back.

Next on the emotional list is guilt. Charlotte doesn't behave like this on a normal day, and she's obviously scared, and very stressed. Since she didn't beg to be in this position, it feels like I forced her up there.

And then there's relief. You're relieved when it's all over, and your angel with dirty wings runs over and says, "Dad! I talked into the microphone!" And it helps that your back has stopped throbbing, too.

In the end, you realize that if this is the worse thing your happy and healthy daughter does today, you're a blessed person, indeed. So many people out there wish they could have your "problems".

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