Someone recently told me that they had extra kids so there would be more people to help them when they (the parents) were older! Wow! Why didn’t someone say that to me way back then? Maybe I would have had a few extra for insurance purposes! Actually, I don’t think mine are providing any extra “coverage.” In fact, I think the reverse is true.
For example, last year, the kids begged me to allow them to shovel the driveway rather than have it plowed. “Don’t hire the snow-plower this year,” they said. “We’ll do it!” or “Our plow guy is just ripping us off!” So, in my ever-so-naive way, I thought, this will be great! Give them adult responsibility. I went out and bought some nice shovels and waited for the snow.
First snow fall … they were too tired and one was sick. Well, ok. Second snow fall, they were at their dad’s house. Hmm. The last one, was the biggest one. I got them out there, but not until I had done more than 1/2 the driveway. Then, the work lasted about five minutes before I was managing a snowball fight. I’m spending their inheritance on the rip-off-snow-plowing-guy this year.
Plus, for at least a year the kids have been begging me (no pun intended) to get a dog. They think a dog will make them more productive members of the family. Pleeeaase! They say they will walk the dog, clean up the poop, feed it, etc. Why am I not believing this? I have a sneaking suspicion that this will result in yet one more thing for me to do around here. Plus, here’s my philosophy: I have three kids, a job and an ex-husband. Do I really need a dog? I’ll take votes. Please kids, no voter fraud.
And last but not least, the allowance argument. They want me to fork over cash each and every week for them to “cover” the work around the house! Seriously? I am going to pay them to do the laundry, pick up their room and fold towels? I might as well quite my day-job if I can get paid for all that stuff. Of course I hear that EVERY mom and dad gives allowance. To that I say … that’s great. Wanna live with them? Almost always works.
Have a productive day!
theyearof50 