Published 9/16/19
By Greg Johnson
What If...
“Do I have the dumbest sister in the history of sisters or what?” says the obnoxious eleven-year-old.
Both parents look at each other and the mom says, “Now, now. You shouldn’t say things like that.”
“Mom, get a life. You know she’s an airhead as well as I do. Are you sure she wasn’t left on the doorstep? She can’t be related to us.”
“Why don’t we forget about your sister for a while and go watch a video? Doesn’t that sound fun?” the dad asks trying to change the subject.
“OK, but I get to pick which one we watch.”
“Fine, whatever you say.”
“What kind of movies are these?” the kid says. “Old Yeller, The Wizard of Oz, 101 Dalmatians. Come on, Dad. You’ve got to be joking. Why can’t you ever get good movies? I can’t believe what a wimpy family this is.”
“Would you like some snacks?” the mom asks as she comes into the room.
“Yeah, I’d like a Pepsi, a bag of potato chips and a few of those brownies you made today. Bring ‘em to me.”
“Don’t you think it’s a little close to dinner to be eating all of that food? The lasagna will be ready in about an hour. I was just thinking of a small snack like carrot sticks to tide you over.”
“Mom, I’m hungry now! I don’t want to wait. You asked if I wanted anything, and that’s what I want. Now would you just bring it to me like I asked?”
“OK, dear. I’ll be right back.”
Questions to Think On
• If you were a parent, how would you respond to a child who was as demanding and rude as this?
• Parents need to set TV-viewing boundaries so their children don’t fill their minds with bad stuff. What do you think about the boundaries you’ve been given?
• Parents need to make eating boundaries so their children get the right nutrition. What do you think about the boundaries you’ve been given?
• Parents need to have boundaries to ensure that everyone speaks kindly to other family members. Do you understand why?
What Does God Have to Say?
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15
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