I recently saw a t-shirt with a message emblazoned on the front: “You can’t tell me what to do. You aren’t my daughter.”
I can relate to that. My daughter wields that kind of power.
When my intelligence began the downslide, hers increased. She might even be
brilliant. My daughter-in -law is the same. Together they are formidable. Perhaps
nature meant it to be that way. We reach a certain age and require back-up
brains. Our children…bless their hearts…provide them.
We knew it was coming. From a young age we heard the old
wives tale. So it didn’t take us by surprise, this time when roles reverse and
the children become the parents. Grin and bear it. If you forget the word…they
will quickly supply it. If you’re shopping for clothes, they will tell you
what’s in style and what you should donate from your closet. (Most of it!) Update is one of their favorite words. But
why update now? I would rather put my
money in travel and enjoy my old outdated furniture. The couch just got really comfortable.
But there you are.
It’s a bit disconcerting when your children start talking to
you as if you were three years old, especially when you’ve reached a proud age
of seventy-three. You feel as if your experience and knowledge should be
treasured. The thing is, most likely it’s all outdated. Take heart! Your kids
will gladly share with you what they first learned forty years ago…from you.
