Who’s in the Dog House?

When we’re young we view our Mom and Dad as super human. As we get older, we realize that they are simply human. Then as we get even older, we realize they are humans that we now need to look after. 

No matter what stage you’re at with your parents, parents will forever be parents. They will forever worry, give unsolicited advice, offer food and point out if you’re not looking your best.

Moms always want to know all the emotional details related to friends, partners and careers. Dads always want to know about your vehicle and the weather. And reply, “who?” when you’re talking about an important person in your life. 

Anytime my parents come to visit, I have a long to do list prepared for my Dad while my Mom and I cluck like chickens.

At the end of the day, we always come together for happy hour and a tasty meal that either my Mom prepared or we ordered in – she is well aware of my domestic skills.  

As we get older our relationship with our parents change and some relationship “punishments”, do not…

In Bridging Pieces Together, I skipped pages in a story. Today, I heard pages of a story that I don’t think I should have.

A child’s inability to hold back, ask the silly questions and project brutal honesty is refreshing. As adults, why don’t we say everything we think and question life with a simple “why?” Conflict, that’s why. 

Being a Parks Play Leader for three summers helped me better understand kids and appreciate their precious minds. It was also the cheapest form of birth control.

These children made me feel funny, wise, trustworthy and part of the gossip.

One morning I had a little boy approach me who was not his usual chipper, energetic self. Part of me was relieved because that meant he wouldn’t be begging me to chase him around at 8:00am, but the other part of me was concerned. So I asked if something was wrong.  

He shrugged his shoulders and replied, “I’m annoyed.”

I wondered what could annoy a 6 year old. Today’s best friend?

He explained, “my Dad got to sleep on the couch last night. I never get to sleep on the couch. Every time I ask my Mom she says noooo, but my Dad gets to!”

I nodded my head while clenching my jaw to remain respectful of his feelings.  

Firstly, I now knew more about this family than either of us would like.

Secondly, I was a little curious about what went down.  

Thirdly, who wishes to sleep on the couch? Coming from the youngest sibling who always had to (and still has to) sleep on the couch during any family trip, it is not all it’s cracked up to be. Just your back cracks afterwards. 

There were so many things I wanted to say to the poor guy, but I stuck with the line my brothers used to always annoyingly say to me, ‘you’ll learn when you’re older.”

Happy Father’s Day!

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