I can’t imagine why I assumed taking my grandsons to school would be a snap. Couldn’t I just pull out my grandma’s bag of tricks gained from years of experience? Reality hit the first morning.
I see it coming when the youngest boy comes into the kitchen with eyes full of gathering thunder clouds. His eyebrows and mouth corners turn down. He insists on his favorite French toast even though I’m in the middle of poaching three and a half minute eggs. I try to reason with him and promise it for tomorrow. But this morning his mood is dark and immovable. After his few “stupid’s” and other forbidden words and threats, I return with a time out threat of my own. Sometimes the best trick is just to out-stubborn the stubborn.
In an instant, he relents, and joins his older brother to eat his breakfast in record time, and the dark clouds turn sunny.
The breakfast battle is won, but there’s no time to congratulate myself on victory. ”Why aren’t you dressed? School starts in 30 minutes.”
Their gaze focuses on TV cartoons. Time for another of Grandma’s tricks. “Let’s see who gets dressed first!”
The race is on. “I win!” they echo each other.
At last I can relax, take a sip of tea and wait a few minutes to leave. Maybe my challenge isn’t so immense after all.
The sound of dripping water draws my attention. I look up to see my soaking wet grandson. Shirt, pants, socks, and shoes need to be replaced.
“Grandma” he says with a wide grin, “I spilled some water outside. I’ll just stay home.”
“You are most certainly going to Kindergarten today,” I assure him as I proceed to assist him to dress.
My adventure is not quite finished. “By the way, Grandma, I need a lunch,” my older grandson announces.
“What!” I shriek. I swallow my nasty comments and begin shouting orders. “Grab the bologna! I’ll get the bread. We need mayo. Hurry, make a sandwich! What else do you need?” Last minute projects demand turbo speed, another grandma trick.
I turn around to leave. My younger grandson is missing. I send the oldest to search upstairs. I scout any hiding places downstairs. “Where are you? We need to go now,” I command. . . . No response. . . Must think fast!
I declare, “Anyone who hides and doesn’t go to school will be grounded from their I-Pad.” Magically, he appears and we rush to school. A powerful grandma trick–threatened removal of treasured gadgets!
The oldest grandson pops inside the school just as the bell rings.
As I deliver the little guy to his class, I breathe a sigh of relief. Just as I turn around to leave, the small stinker calls out, “Grandma, Grandma, wait! I want a hug and kiss.”
I respond in shock, “Certainly, Sweetheart, I love your hugs and kisses!” I nearly used my entire bag of tricks this morning but his treat seems well worth it.
Dianna
Sharing the Fruit of Maturity
