 |  |
 Parenting 101 - Mother
Excerpt from Hidden Messages – What Our Words and Actions are Really Telling Our Children By Elizabeth Pantley  My Kid, the Lawyer WannabeShe opened with a question. “Mom! What are we having for dinner?” “Well, hello to you, too, honey,” Judy said with a chuckle, leaning over to press a kiss on Jennifer’s cheek. “We’re having fish.” “What kind?” asked Jennifer, chin raised in suspicion. “Cod,” warily answered Judy. She knew the prosecution would begin straightaway. Jennifer peered down her nose into the pan. “And how are you making it?” she inquired. “I’m baking it. With lemon and seasoning,” Judy replied, trying to sound nonchalant about her gourmet cooking skills. “But Mom,” Jennifer’s voice reflected the grimace on her face. “You know I HATE it that way! . . . Don’t you?” Judy had to admit: the kid was good. But Judy held her own, patiently explaining that it was the family’s favorite. To which Jennifer responded, “But why can’t you just bread a few pieces for me?” “Because,” Judy began, “it takes too much time and effort for the one small piece you’ll manage to eat.” Motion denied. “Well, it can’t be that difficult!” wailed Jennifer. “Why don’t you just…” “Jennifer! Stop with the fish already!” Judy interrupted. “It’s garbage day. Please collect the trash and take it out while I’m making dinner.” “Why do I have to do it every time?” huffed Jennifer. “It’s your job,” Judy countered over her objections. “But it’s been my job forever,” pleaded Jennifer. “I don’t see why Jason can’t do it.” Judy calmly listed Jason’s jobs and explained that he, too, had responsibilities. Jennifer was not appeased by the alibis presented on Jason’s behalf. “Taking out the garbage for the whole family is just asking too much. It’s smelly and heavy and icky. I’d much rather sweep the kitchen floor. I think it’s time that we switched jobs.” “I’ll think about it,” responded Judy distractedly, her fatigued head taking a little unscheduled adjournment. “Well, why can’t you think about it right now?” hammered Jennifer. “Because I’m making dinner right now.” “So, you can’t make dinner and think at the same time?” asked Jennifer. Judy closed her eyes, her hands going limp on the counter. Objection! She paused to restore order in the court that had taken over her kitchen, then looked over at Jennifer. “Will you just take out the trash and let me make dinner?” “But you didn’t answer me! Why can’t we talk about this now?” “Jennifer, please. Just do it.” Jennifer, never ready to concede a case, shouted, “I’m sick and tired of taking out the garbage!” Judy, her patience at its end, yelled back, “I don’t care! Just do the job!” Jennifer’s volume also increasing, she bellowed, “I DON’T WANT TO!” Judy slammed down the spoon she’d been holding. “I don’t care what you want, young lady! Take that trash out!” Jennifer recognized her Mother’s danger zone, knew she’d be held in contempt soon if she didn’t back off. She roughly grabbed the kitchen trash (into which Judy was still tossing fish remnants) and stomped out of the kitchen, mumbling something about a dictatorship and unfairness on her way out.
|
|
Click Here. 
|
|||||
 | |||||||||
