Walking around Universal Studios and Disney you see it everywhere. Usually accompanied by a finger pointing parent using a tone of voice used mostly when owner of the 'face' aged approximately10-18 has overstepped their 'line'.
Yesterday I witnessed a mother waggling an exasperated index finger at three teenagers lined up against a wall just outside The Animal Kingdom.
"Your father and I have worked hard to bring you ungrateful, spoilt children to Disney and what do we get in return? Well? ....."
...sulky silence accompanied by 'the face' and matching body language.
"Attitude, that's what!...and you know what else? I'm sick of looking at your three miserable faces right now and we haven't even got through the entrance!".....
Of course there are multitudes of versions of the above and lectures that follow. We have already had three episodes of our own. Due to it being 'boring', 'hot', or us not giving him more dollars to spend on something else on his "Da-aaaad.....can I have...." list.
I've seen all nationalities having these 'conversations' - mostly US/UK to be honest, and US mothers are the loudest - using the 'I don't care how many people hear me talk about your attitude' kind of level.
We usually end up going out knowing that at some point 'the face' will appear and deal with it when it does, sometimes involving a good talking to, or depending on the location bribery. Anything to diffuse a temper or risk of having to leave the park/restaurant having paid a lot of money to be there in the first place and always involves us having to compromise...because teenagers don't ever see why they should have to.
The one good thing about seeing them, is that you realise that you are not the only parents who have to deal with kids wearing 'Whateva Faces'. Its actually very reassuring and you find yourself casting a sympathetic glance as you uncomfortably walk past avoiding eye contact.
Happy Holidays..
No comments:
Post a Comment