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Sept 20, 2002 How many times do you find yourself in an impossible situation with your children and their potential dinner guest? I myself have always enjoyed comapany when it is planned and I have had ample time to set that extra spot at the table and prepare that extra serving or two. The problem begins when your child, with a friend in tow, blurts out "Can Justin eat with us tonight?" and there you are with nothing to say to these two big eyed, puppy dog looking children. Can he eat with us? Let's see, you may think to yourself, I have exactly enough spaghetti left over from Tuesday (it's Thursday)and barely enough sauce to cover it. But can he eat with us? Of course, because I can't say no to that sweet face. I will just skip dinner tonight so the children are happy. Husbands do the same thing to us. How many times have I come out of the shower, put a towel on, heard voices, came out of the bathroom only to find my husband giving some guy he works with a tour of the house. Was someone SUPPOSED to be here today? Was anyone going to tell me SOMEONE was here? Can I please take my wet, red face back in the bathroom and crawl in the woodwork please? The most important thing we can teach our children (and husbands) is manners. Yes, I know it may not be the MOST important thing they learn but it is a pretty important one. I have told my children to check with me in private about dinner guests before we inform our friends whether or not there is a possible vacancy at the table. (The husband just needs to make the ever-so-popular phone call to check it out) The private request does help to avoid the embarrassing times when it just isn't possible. After all, it is the polite thing to do. ------------ Joanne Thomas is a weekly columnist for Useless-Knowledge.com. She is a married mother of four beautiful, demonic, school-aged children that she wouldn't trade for the world. She has been married to the same heartthrob for 14 years. Email Joanne: mommajo2222@yahoo.com Comment on this column in the forum. ------------ |
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