blame it on the Dishwasher

So, I am visiting with "Mommy" and helping with some babysitting for a few days.  Of course we talk about raising kids and the fact that her two beautiful girls, "BooBoo Bear" and "Smushy"  will make her want to pull her hair out numerous times as she raises them.  They will make her laugh, they will make her worry, they will frustrate her, they will make her angry and so many times it will all make her cry. 

We spent time talking about whether or not each of her siblings, as well as herself responded to advice given to them by me.  Being the honest person that I am, I gave her the rundown in age order of the frustrating event listing for each child.  There was only one, who really did not ignore the advice given.  I won't tell you who, but suffice to say that the odds were not in may favor with five of them and occasionally "Super Son" ignoring experience in advice.  It is incredible how stupid parents are and how brilliant children are, isn't it?

The conversation led to employment as young adults, and part time jobs held during the summers.  She was very frustrated at the different path each of her siblings took.  When you think about it, their choices reflect their personalities and I am sure to some extent my child rearing.  some were willing to take jobs that others considered beneath them.  Some didn't mind physical labor, others detested it.  All of them were willing to take ANY work, if it meant not spending the summer at my beck and call, doing chores around the property and house for free.

"Mommy" finally informed me that any issues with respect for work and earning a salary should be firmly place on the shoulders of the dishwasher.  Any of the kids who were not required as youngsters to wash the dishes by hand were clearly deficient in their work ethic according to her.  apparently, old fashioned chores are good for the soul.  So the next time, your kids do not appreciate your advice, don't want to earn a little money on their own, think they should only work in executive positions, or think that as a dependent child they have the right to make all decisions regarding their life, college choice, relationships, ownership of vehicles and phones, blame it on the fact that you own a dishwasher!