For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for September 26, 2013

More interesting, but far less efficient or effective. Who wants to take the time to rearrange the dishes, bowls, cups, and utensils so that they can actually be used?

That said, I’m surprised that Elly apparently hasn’t taught Elizabeth the proper way to set a table. It’s really not that hard!

I think Elly’s expression is because of the way Elizabeth is carrying (or not carrying) the dishes.

@Howtheduck…love your comment. Ellie’s reaction is again over the top. She expects Lizzie to do an adult job at setting the table? I think Ellie must be going through menopause…she has no patience and seems to lack empathy for the kids lately.

Do any of you realize that these are comic strip characters and NOT real people?

My kids learned how to set a table VERY early! Method? Whoever does it correctly gets a cookie – a nice, home baked one. Wow, they learned everything from the salad fork in…. You can train any kind of animal with food rewards!

MORE IMPORTANTLY: in panel 2, the glass is falling off the inverted bowl and the silverware is slipping out, but in panel 3, the glass and it’s contents are back to “normal” as in panel 1. How did that happen?

I agree with legaleagle. Kids can and should be taught from toddlers on how to set a table properly. And creativity has nothing to do with it. That’s what arts and crafts are for. Those who think that it’s okay to let kids be “creative” when they should be learning are also confused later when their kids are acting out at school or not able to keep a job. There’s a time and place for everything.

You all do realize there is middle ground right? She could have laughed at how Elizabeth was setting it, remark about its creativity and then correct it with her so that its set right. She doesn’t want to take the time and just flies off the handle, much like how my mom did when I was growing up. There is no reason to get that worked up at your child.

If I know that age, Elly HAS taught her to set the table properly, but the wee one has gotten an artistic bug.

We never had unbreakable dishes. THey just teach your children that it’s ok to be careless, and that carelessness has no consequences. Never had sippy cups, either.

Horrified face??? I think not. Dumbfounded maybe, as in what is she doing. And out of Elizabeth’s sight she laughs the laugh of love only a mom can have. Why does every one here jump to the conclusion that Elly is so awful all the time. you see a peek at a few seconds of a 24 hr day and are ready to crucify her as a wife and mother. Most are just so negative.

Yeah, I’d have a laugh if my child did this, validate their creativity, and later show them what I meant for them to do. If they chose to set the table is an orthodox fashion again, i’ll just let it be.

Since Elizabeth is thinking to herself ‘I forgot the plates’, it would seem that Elly did provide some direction at some point.

“There is no reason to get that worked up at your child.”So true, Bethy. I’m working on not flying off at my youngest grandchild. I’ve apologized to her for yelling, and tell her I’m working on it. Thanks for putting perspective on this whole thing.

Yeah, for Elly. I still don’t understand why you read a comic when you so dislike one of the main characters. Other than, of course, giving you the opportunity to show the other women haters on this board that you’re one of the guys.

I sure hope she’s not letting a child set the table with breakable dishes. I was setting the table at around the age of 5 I think, at that time there were 5 of us. This was before dishwashers and microwave ovens so the dishes were not breakable. It wasn’t too hard to learn where to put a plate, a glass and a fork. We only used what we needed, so I only put out a spoon or knife if it was needed. My objection to setting the table was that I was the only one who had to do it because I was a girl and I’d have to miss part of a TV show to do it. The same objection occurred later on when it came to washing dishes. My two brothers didn’t have to do anything because they were male.

Here at our manse, I finally got the eggs and assorted junk off the table and replaced the tablecloth with one of Walmart’s finest, but can’t get anyone but the youngest to eat there except on special occasions. With the others, it’s “Don’t take your food into the living room!” “I’m not going to spill it!” “I didn’t say you were; I just said not to take it into the living room!” [or your bedroom, or wherever]. They do it anyway. These are grandkids – I had my crack at my kids, so to speak.

Thank goodness for Corelle!

As a child we all sat at the table every evening, and lord help the poor soul who was late. I did the same with my kids, now I’m told that’s old fashioned. It may well be, but my kids were happy and knew I was thier biggest cheer leader.

Setting the table goes a long way when it comes to dinner conversations and things like that

she’s four, what next….basting the turkey??!!

“First, Elly complains when the kids don’t help around the house, then she complains when they do!”.I think you’ve hit upon the one constant in the Patterson household…

she takes after her mom

Actually, I’m taking Early Childhood Education, and things have changed.They are teaching kids how to “be safe” with things that are glass – all the play teacups, saucers, etc. are glass.

Elly is such a control freak. She wants everyone to do everything her way