Just kidding

Our 14 year old son has taken up a habit that he doesn't even realize he's doing. He says something and then at the end of it, he says, "just kidding." So he says, "Mom, your shoes are untied" I look, "Just kidding". "I'm going outside and mow the grass......just kidding." It seems like it comes out of his mouth with every sentence he makes, so I mentioned to him that he needs to break that habit and break it fast, and while I am talking to him, he asks a question, but then said, "Just kidding." I told him that I don't have a problem breaking that belt back out and putting it on his behind.

Just a mere two days later, he was talking with our 16 year old daughter and he had mentioned what he was going to do for her 17th birthday, which is on May 31, and as we were eating, Mr. 14 year old says something to her and then said, "Just kidding." He looked over at me and said he was sorry and that it just came out. I told him that nothing just comes out unless you want it to come out and that nobody is controlling his tongue but him.

He said that if he isn't sinning, what's so bad about saying "just kidding." I told him that for one, it's annoying and that for another thing, nobody won't be able to trust him if he keeps doing that. Hubby and I reminded him of the fable of the boy who cried wolf and then when a wolf really came, nobody listened. I told 14 year old that it's the same way. When he is being for real about something, nobody will take him serious and think once again he is just kidding. I told him it's ok to have fun and laugh but it's also a way to do it. He said he will try to do better and try to catch himself saying it or else he knows there will be consequences and I'm not kidding about that!

Lovingly yours,