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When Mom Interprets
By Leslie Wilson
The things people say can often be left open to interpretation by the listener. Consider these random -- mostly innocuous -- comments by kids, followed by the Mom Interpretation.
What your child says:
Mom, have you seen my gray shirt?
Mom, what did you do with my light gray, Nike shirt I left in your car after we went swimming yesterday?
What your child says:
What are we having for dinner?
What a Real Mom hears:
Pleeeeeeze tell me we're not having something gross like stroganoff or teriyaki that I have to move around on my plate pretending to eat it.
What your child says:
Mom, can I have a friend come over?
What a Real Mom hears:
Mom, I already invited Chelsea over and her mom said it was OK if it was OK with you. So can she come over?
What your child says:
I don't have very much homework.
What a Real Mom hears:
I have two pages of math facts, and I should read more of my book for the book report that's due next week, but I don't really want to.
What your child says:
Mom, there was a new kid in our class today.
What a Real Mom hears:
Mom, you know our already over-crowded classroom? Well, we added one more to it today.
What your child says:
Mom, do you care if I play Nintendo?
What a Real Mom hears:
Mom, do you care if I turn my brain to mush playing a totally useless video game for three hours when I could be reading or playing out in the bright spring weather?
What your child says:
Mom, can I go out and play? I cleaned up my room.
What a Real Mom hears:
Mom, I stuffed all my clothes--clean and dirty--under my bed and threw everything else in my closet. So, can I disappear for three hours before dinner to let you get a little peace and quiet?
What your child says:
Mom, Alex invited me over to play, but I'm not sure I want to go.
What a Real Mom hears:
Mom, I really don't want to play with Alex this afternoon. She whines too much, and she never shares her toys. If you tell Mrs. Peterson I have chores to do, I won't have to go.
What your child says:
Mom, I'm big enough to go by myself.
What a Real Mom hears:
Mom, I don't want to go in the ladies' room any more. It's embarrassing. I'm 7 years old. No one's going to "take" me.
What your child says:
Mom, I have a sore throat.
What a Real Mom hears:
Mom, I have a sore throat, so I'd better get in to see the doctor before the weekend. Otherwise, I won't be able to start antibiotics before we need to leave for Cousin Sally's wedding.
Leslie co-authored A Scrapbook of Motherhood Firsts, which released in April 2012. To thrive it up, visit her website and blog at www.lesliewilson.com.
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In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
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