Smart-Ass Kids With Attitude Need Gratitude

Friday, January 16th, 2009

Why is it so difficult to get a child to go to bed?

It’s always one more thing. Okay, I’ll go to bed if I can just watch this show. Just ten more minutes. Is that more than fifteen minutes?

The adorable thing. In the midst of a major blowout, she always says something naïve and cute and my heart melts.

“No! NOW!” I scream. She relents. Well, actually, she has no choice. I’ve turned off the TV and hidden the remote.

She seems shocked when I announce we’re brushing our teeth. “Brushing our teeth, too?” she asks. Like we haven’t done this every night for the last four years — which we have.

“Yes,” I hiss. 

“What-e-v-e-r,” she says. 
Whatever? She’s five. How does she know that word, and when did she learn to say it just that way?

Can you imagine if you ever said that to your mother? I know what mine would have said.

When they’re babies, it’s so routine. Poop. Hunger. Sleep. The Big Three. But as soon as they can walk and talk, there are all these other variables. It’s the variables that prevent them from knowing routines.

And realizing what to say and what not to say.

Ah, it’s a good thing they’re cute.

by Dawn Yun

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  1. A mother of two
    September 28, 2006 at 1:04 pm

    I read your essays and blog and you’re hilarious! You aptly capture those funny moments of motherhood. I love the big three. That’s exactly what they are. I want to read more.

  2. A mother of two
    September 28, 2006 at 1:07 pm

    I read your essays and blog and you’re hilarious! You aptly capture those funny moments of motherhood. I love the Big Three. That’s exactly what they are. I want to read more.