Two parents and the Game
by rebecca ~ August 31st, 2005. Filed under: Ordinary Muse.Yesterday my son tried to open the freezer door to get at a second popsicle. He tried in earnest (slyly ‘playing’ with his toys near the refrigerator) several times, and each time I told him “no,” which led to the usual but mercifully brief squawks of protest.
Then when I entered the shower, I saw him try again (I was out of sight, and here was his chance!) but his father came into the kitchen and said, “No. I heard your mama say ‘no’, and no means no.” Foiled again.
This event of where a child plays off of two parents signals something new for the both of us. We both grew up with only our mothers as our parents. If we wanted something and it was denied, or only chance was to butter them up and then try again later.