For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for February 09, 2022

that’s parenting for you

Yup, April has John wrapped around her little finger alright. My eldest is in the exact same bind. His only child (a daughter) can get anything she wants from him. Her mother is much more firm. :P

Lift and separate… as in a Saturn V rocket or Playtex Cross-Your-Heart?

Ellie always sticks up for Michael and Jon always sticks up for April.

Didn’t we just witness this same argument over Mike’s punishment?

You’re one to talk, Elly… And just what part of Saint Michael are YOU wrapped around….?

Old hippie parenting: Don’t be united (dude), and let the kid run the house.

Lynn’s Comments:

If you aren’t familiar with the old brassiere ad that described their product by saying, “it lifts and separates,” then you’ll miss this punch line. It was a controversial TV advertisement at the time and it spawned a lot of great comedy.

Dude! You went from alliance to cleavage in a heartbeat. I’m so proud of you. …sniff

Michael did not joyride; he got permission from John prior to driving the car. John’s gripe was that he gave an inch and Michael wanted to take a mile.

She may be little, but she ain’t stupid!

I thought the latter but I guess it’s because of my age. Why is John now the good cop with April but the bad cop with Michael?

There is some normalcy about the bias parents show their children. Father’s often show partiality to daughters, while mother’s do so with sons. Thus El wanted John to ease up on Mike after his hour long trek in John’s sporty car, and now John wants El to ease up on April when she keeps throwing her cereal on the floor.

John is right, though. April is too young to really grasp actions equalling consequences. Although sitting in her crib for a little while isn’t exactly a harsh punishment. She seemed fine playing with her toys and humming to herself. Elly, like many moms, favors the son. John, like many dads, has a soft spot for the daughters. It has been that way forever.

Youngest child favoritism is real…

Kind of like two boobs…

little girls really can wrap you around their little fingers, they are just so darn cute! On the other hand, John has double standards he should have let April pay the price. Then start doing all the feeding himself, including the clean up.

Hmm. Parents seemed to have changed sides on their parenting views since Mike took his dads sportscar and got lost.

If a kid is too young to know what a “united front” IS,there’s no use in having one.

No wonder

John’s priorities are sports car first, dental practice second, April third, Elizabeth fourth, Elly fifth, Michael sixth, God seventh. In that order.

So Elly defends Mike and John defends April, who defends Liz? The middle child is often left out.

When you are discussing about baby that young, it is hard to be tough. Elly needs to be more considerate.

Elly, you don’t even know the meaning of the word FAIR!Kids make messes. If you wanted a spotless house, you shouldn’t have had any. But then, you would have no one to lord your power over. You can’t have it both ways!

Elly doesn’t know the meaning of the word FAIR.

Kids make messes. If she wanted a spotless house, she shouldn’t have had any. But then, who would she lord her authority over? She wants it both ways, but she’ll never have it!

A premonition to the divorce IRL??

She’s daddy’s little girl! Best job my wife ever had!

They are both there when breakfast is served. Why is she always the one who has to clean up after the baby? If he’s so understanding and thinks it normal, why doesn’t he do the cleanup?

Mom had bowls with suction cups on the bottom to foil my little brother. She had already learned from his two older sisters’ food antics. ;-D

He’s right. If you treat your kids like criminals for every little things they do, that’s what they’ll grow up to be!