“You were right; I was wrong” I grudgingly admitted to my daughter the other night just before bedtime.
She paused and looked at me wide-eyed. “Pardon?” she whispered, with fake sincerity.
I said, “I remember now. You were right – we did already agree to this over the weekend.” I hate being middle-aged – my memory sucks.
“Wait,” she continued, “I need to take this in ….” and she takes a dramatic deep breath and exhales loudly. I roll my eyes and I know that I’m in for it.
“I don’t believe this has ever happened before. This is a momentous occasion.” She is twelve years old, and yes, she used the word ‘momentous’ in a sentence. “Can I hear you say that one more time, please?”
“You were right.”
“And?” she prompted me to continue. Oh my God, this is killing me.
“I was wrong.”
I was beginning to regret the day I took her home from the hospital. I should have left her to the very large Italian family visiting the new mom sharing a room with me. They would never have noticed one more child.
“Who’s a genius?”
“You are.”
“Who’s your favourite daughter?” Someone please shoot me.
“You are.”
“What else do you want to say to me?”
“Sorry.”
“Pardon?” She was enjoying herself.
“I’m sorry.”
It doesn’t really matter what she was right about and what I was wrong about. I know I so deserved this. But, oh my God, did it piss me off.
“Anything else you feel the need to say to me right now?” she mocked, clearly on a roll.
“Yes.” I said. “It’s past your bedtime. If your light’s are not out in two minutes, you’re grounded.”
I still hold absolute power.
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8 Responses to I am schooled …
LOL – you know who won that discussion? YOU! Your admission of being wrong will open up whole avenues of dialogue – my kids feel safe to call me (two have graduated college) and one is in college. I was always forthright in admitting I was wrong if I was wrong. My kids respected me more for being honest.
Thank you! I have not always been so forthright; but it was the right thing to so, you’re right 🙂
Too-too funny! …”I was beginning to regret the day I took her home from the hospital…”
OMG. Of course you know I’m cracking up thinking about how you messed up. Your daughter really made you work for it, but I love your comeback. Yep, you’re in charge!
Yeah, she went a little to far 😉
Astra, the only thing that keeps me going during times like these is the thought that one day they’ll have kids of their own! ha! 🙂
They never forget these moments either. My son still remembers the ones I had to ‘fess up to.
You mean I’m not done living it down?! Oh no!