While my nagging, haranguing, and public humiliation apparently had no effect on my son, the "care package" which I lovingly hand-crafted and filled with special items like 2-for-1 after-Christmas-special broken candy canes and discarded McDonald toys that I stole from my little ones, and a couple pairs of hiking socks that my daughter no longer wanted, apparently had the desired effect. He called me while I was sitting in the dentist's chair getting my teeth cleaned. (Now, isn't that a thoughtful son?) Obviously, I had turned my phone to vibrate, so while the technician was scraping away at my teeth, I had the sensation of a whoopy cushion going off in my pocket. He left me a sweet voice mail (which I have yet to erase, due to it's eloquent and loving tone). It goes something like this:
(heavy sigh) "Oh, hi, Mom. It's me. I got the care package you sent and I wanted you to know that I felt so guilty that I started writing that essay you wanted me to write. I only got half-way though because I'm going to Mass now. Bye."
See? If you can't humiliate them to make them do what you want them to do then just BRIBE them!
3 comments:
Debbie- I happened upon your blog by clicking on people who like Charolettes Web. I have read through it and I must say you are an inspiring woman. I am a sahm of 5 kids from the ages of 3-12. I couldn't imagine having 10!!! OK I just wanted to say hello and I enjoyed reading and look forward to further reads :0) GFeel free to visit my blogs if you so desire.
Teresa
Hi Teresa! Well...I must say I do like Charlotte's Web very much. I even once named a Boston Fern "Charlotte," in commemoration of the beloved spider. In fact, I love anything by E.B. White...especially, "The Elements of Style."
I will look foer "The Elements of Style". Thank you.
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