So, last night after finally getting my 14-year old son to finish his dinner (he could take the gold in a slow-eating-contest). My husband and I decided it was time for showers and generally to get ready for work and school the next day. The conversation went like this:
Me: Go and get your bath or shower and then you can play quietly in your room until it’s movie time.
Son: Staring blankly at me, so you want me to wait here for movie time? Can I watch TV for now?
Me: No, you can go take your bath and use soap, brush your teeth, comb your hair and do NOT come knocking on our door. We (me and step-dad) will come out to watch the movie when we are ready. Unless you are bleeding profusely, or the house is on fire (and it BETTER not be your fault it is), do NOT come and bug us about anything. We know how long it takes you to get a shower or bath. Which are you taking tonight?
Son: Bath.
Me: Ok, so bath it is. I know how long that takes. I will be able to assume when you are finished. We will be getting our showers and be out when we are ready to watch the movie. Don’t be a pest, or I’ll come up with chores for you to do. (that is my ace in the hole there.. ‘oh no! not chores!’).
Son: Got it.
Husband: (overhearing my conversation with Son, re-enterers the kitchen) Yes, you need to get your bath, and do not come knocking on my door. Do not stalk around the sliding glass doors to our room from the porch. Just get cleaned up and you can play in your room. So go on now and get your bath.
Son: So, you want me to come tell you when I’m done?
This time *I* had the blank look…and I believe I am developing a nervous twitch.
