She’s tugging at my Nike sweatshirt, her expression angelic and innocent… …
Daughter: Might I take this opportunity to remind you of our clothes-share arrangement?
She strokes my arm as if caressing a cat…
Me: You can be as cute as you like, you’re still not getting this sweatshirt.
Important to be firm when discussing serious life matters with a teen…
Daughter: Please mum…
She’s about to go into mind numbing repetitive whining mode….
Daughter: Mum…mum….mum….mum…..mum..
Me: For godsakes !
A little later….
Daughter: Can I have it then?
Me: No …
The word ‘No’ when it comes from me is a foreign expression, an expletive even…
Daughter: Why not?
Me: Because I don’t actually have any clothes left…
Daughter: Yes you do or you’d be naked right now..
Me: My point is… you keep taking my things without asking…
Daughter: May I remind you again of our clothes-share arrangement…
Me: And why is it that this arrangement seems to be so one-sided?
She looks away sheepishly…then back at me…a mischievous glint in her eye..
Daughter: Not understanding what you’re saying..
Me: I’m saying that you never allow me to borrow your things…
Daughter: Still not understanding…
Me: OK… may I borrow your black lace top?
Daughter: No sorry….you’ve lost me…
why aren't you somewhere else 