Not all kids. I loved mine from infants, to toddlers, to kids, to preteens, to teens, to adults. Each stage of their growth was special. BTW, I have a special needs son.
BTW Shannon is no brat really, just a creative, energetic, blessed with honesty of youth child. Contrary to those here who seem to focus on such a child being a horrible bother who needs manners training, yes training, which she will learn, but she needs encouragement and nurturing which is what a child like her really thrives with. This, in a way, was that precious middle schooler Fay, who pined for Axel, but clearly had talent, and who needed both parental nurturing and direction and boundaries commensurate with her age.
Shannon can sing loudly and clearly, even with a bandana tied tightly around her mouth? Tying a bandana tightly around her mouth before singing seemed like a cute idea to her? Classic Evans logic, man. Classic.
Go for it Brad. This what we have been waiting for. Toni may be a problem. She can’t be pregnant and be a fire fighter. This storyline may make an interesting arc.
Shannon is extremely annoying. She commands attention, makes disgusting messes, breaks other people’s things – and the adults never discipline her or reign her in. They let her get away with being rude, demanding and bratty. Because her mommy is absent and her daddy ignores her? Not an excuse. She needs someone to teach her to be a decent human being and get along with others. If she’s allowed to continue her selfish and self-centered ways she’ll grow up to be another Ann Eiffel.
Brad may want his own kids, but I’m not so sure his bride is on the same page. Understandable. They both have demanding, inherently dangerous jobs, an inherited strong-willed, high energy kid, and a small house that they need a live in room mate to afford.
Okay, so it seems as if Bern’s fish tank is “safe.” For now. Crisis averted. Congrats, JPUZZLE. But the week is still young and Shannon is still exploring and running amok around Casa DeGroot. Let Us hope that Bern has the door to her room LOCKED and barricaded.
I was right about one thing. Brad wants kids despite Shannon. Brad’s a good guy, no doubt. But would he REALLY make a good father? And has Brad had that “little conversation” with Toni, yet?
One more thing to ponder. Some “folks” go to ridiculous lengths to paint Jonah as a (SNORT) “good, responsible, parent.” But is he really? Does he even WANT to be a “parent” or was that “job” thrust upon him by (A-HEM) “accident? It’s pretty clear that Jonah is not letting (GUFFAW) “parenting” get in the way of his (SNEER) “career goals.” But one would HAVE ask THIS: “Does Jonah really have “Career Goals? Or his he using those “Goals” as an Excuse to periodically, get away from his kid?” ;)
That’s a stupid thing for Brad to say. Not all kids are loud, demanding and annoying, but if Shannon is an example of the kind of children Brad and Toni would raise then I say the world is better off without them. I really don’t like the Shannon character at all.
I presume you and Toni have talked about this, Brad? We’ve all speculated about how Frank and Nancy want Grandkids, and, how Luann would like a niece, or, nephew-besides Shannon.
Nice to see Puddles have fun playing with Shannon. The little dog used to be very annoyed with her. But it’s already some strips that this has changed. Shannon has finally figured out how to play with animals in a good way♡. Also, it’s great to see Brad and Luann talk about their dreams for the future. Brad wants to have children, what does Luann want? Go to a college? Go to an art institute? Find love? Finding a good job? Travel the world? Have fun with friends? I hope they can make their dreams come true.
Yesterday I thought Bwad looked somewhat depressed. Today it appears to be more like “wistful.” Maybe his biological clock is ticking. He should be having this conversation with his wife instead of his sister.
Say, wait a minute! Just which bedroom is Toni painting???
I don’t understand why a lot of people think just because Toni’s repainting her and Brand’s bedroom, that absolutely means she must be pregnant. Why? It didn’t say she was trying to figure a way to enlarge the bedroom, or picking out baby furniture, or even knitting little booties like all the good little wifeys used to do in those old sitcoms.
If repainting a room is an indication that a woman’s pregnant, then my one aunt should have had at least eight or nine kids. That woman repainted every room in her house every two to three years. :P :D
Brad’s desire is not unusual, though it may be perplexing.
Luann needs to measure her words more carefully. After all, she is the “Second Act” among the DeGroot offspring. And “great” is not how I would describe her at this point in her life….
And with kids, there are ALWAYS shades of grey. Just because a kid is not the best child doesn’t necessarily mean they are the worst. There are many shades of grey in between. That’s why “one size fits all” theory of child rearing doesn’t work for many.
I like Brad for being able to see the best of what life has given him. Shannon is only a child, and though annoying at times, she loves “Bwad” and Toni to bits, and they have lots of affection for her too. Brad and Toni will be great parents, though I doubt I’ll ever get to witness the progression, given how slowly time crawls along in the Luannverse.
Children are the parents of the future. I’ve always never understood why parents are always calling children idiots, because in essence, they care calling themselves idiots.
Most people dont realize the responsibility of raising a child , the nights of getting no sleep, the constant keeping after a toddler, the whining and the diapers etc. the cost of a child up to college and hopefully getting the child out of the house and on their own. i dont know how my parents did it with 6 kids but they did do some planning on where they wanted to live and they had careers already and had wanted kids from the start and knew what that entailed and they knew the sacrifice that their lives would never be the same once that first child was born.
Man, I’ve known so many Shannons in my life: neglected kids treated like an unlovable burden by crappy parents and caretakers. Luann is not teacher material if she’s this judgmental of a child with no mother, a negligent father, and resentful aunt. :-[
Cheapskate0 over 4 years ago
Well, Bwad is still showing signs of maturity.
Namrepus over 4 years ago
A lot of people think they’re ready for kids, before they have any.
Templo S.U.D. over 4 years ago
I’m sure you’ll be a fine father to Shannon’s cousin(s), Brad.
AnyFace over 4 years ago
beb01 over 4 years ago
I don’t get why Brad would want children either. Shannon would be enough to make one get a DIY vasectomy with a rusty knife.
Miles VanDelay over 4 years ago
Not all kids. I loved mine from infants, to toddlers, to kids, to preteens, to teens, to adults. Each stage of their growth was special. BTW, I have a special needs son.
SJhapamama over 4 years ago
Puddles is looking forward to Act II !
howtheduck over 4 years ago
“It’s a mall world after all!” So close to something that Disney could sue for and yet….
Z-bert over 4 years ago
So the point of this arc is that Brad wants kids. Wonder if we’ll find out how Toni feels by the end of the week.
Brdshtt Premium Member over 4 years ago
I have a sneaking hunch that Brad and Toni have had this conversation, and it might be part of why he seemed out of sorts.
luann1212 over 4 years ago
Hah! Thought so. This arc is about kids, pregnancy, soon, although you have to consider Luannverse time. Just been implying.
BJShipley1 over 4 years ago
So much for “Brad will discipline Shannon for dumping her sandwich on the table.” This kid is awful.
luann1212 over 4 years ago
BTW Shannon is no brat really, just a creative, energetic, blessed with honesty of youth child. Contrary to those here who seem to focus on such a child being a horrible bother who needs manners training, yes training, which she will learn, but she needs encouragement and nurturing which is what a child like her really thrives with. This, in a way, was that precious middle schooler Fay, who pined for Axel, but clearly had talent, and who needed both parental nurturing and direction and boundaries commensurate with her age.
Auntie Socialist over 4 years ago
They’re not loud or demanding if you train them properly
Marks back over 4 years ago
Wonder what broke last episode, probably doesn’t matter though as its someone elses home
Argythree over 4 years ago
Interesting that Brad says he wants ‘some’. Not ‘one’. ‘Some’…
momofalex7 over 4 years ago
I admire Brad. He’s changed a lot and for the better. The way he interacts with Shannon proves that.
Caldonia over 4 years ago
Shannon can sing loudly and clearly, even with a bandana tied tightly around her mouth? Tying a bandana tightly around her mouth before singing seemed like a cute idea to her? Classic Evans logic, man. Classic.
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace over 4 years ago
I liked mine and realllly like theirs.
pekelopan Premium Member over 4 years ago
Go for it Brad. This what we have been waiting for. Toni may be a problem. She can’t be pregnant and be a fire fighter. This storyline may make an interesting arc.
ACTIVIST1234 over 4 years ago
Kids need and (secretly) want discipline. Shannon will need social skills when she goes to school.
LeighBurton over 4 years ago
Brad knows his child will be better behaved than Shannon.
Rhetorical_Question over 4 years ago
MAGICAL THINKING Brad is not ready to be a Dad.
Turnhandle over 4 years ago
Shannon is extremely annoying. She commands attention, makes disgusting messes, breaks other people’s things – and the adults never discipline her or reign her in. They let her get away with being rude, demanding and bratty. Because her mommy is absent and her daddy ignores her? Not an excuse. She needs someone to teach her to be a decent human being and get along with others. If she’s allowed to continue her selfish and self-centered ways she’ll grow up to be another Ann Eiffel.
mjb515 over 4 years ago
But malls are a dying business model.
Rhetorical_Question over 4 years ago
One week of Shannon
Barry1941 over 4 years ago
It all depends on how you raise them.
Ellis97 over 4 years ago
Luann would make a wonderful auntie.
submachine over 4 years ago
Or a beer can, a cherry bomb and count to ten
rrsltx over 4 years ago
Brad may want his own kids, but I’m not so sure his bride is on the same page. Understandable. They both have demanding, inherently dangerous jobs, an inherited strong-willed, high energy kid, and a small house that they need a live in room mate to afford.
MS72 over 4 years ago
Brad rhymes with dad.
Wizard of Ahz-no relation over 4 years ago
anyone else think that toni painting at home might be a blind for something she needs to check?
Mordock999 Premium Member over 4 years ago
Okay, so it seems as if Bern’s fish tank is “safe.” For now. Crisis averted. Congrats, JPUZZLE. But the week is still young and Shannon is still exploring and running amok around Casa DeGroot. Let Us hope that Bern has the door to her room LOCKED and barricaded.
I was right about one thing. Brad wants kids despite Shannon. Brad’s a good guy, no doubt. But would he REALLY make a good father? And has Brad had that “little conversation” with Toni, yet?
One more thing to ponder. Some “folks” go to ridiculous lengths to paint Jonah as a (SNORT) “good, responsible, parent.” But is he really? Does he even WANT to be a “parent” or was that “job” thrust upon him by (A-HEM) “accident? It’s pretty clear that Jonah is not letting (GUFFAW) “parenting” get in the way of his (SNEER) “career goals.” But one would HAVE ask THIS: “Does Jonah really have “Career Goals? Or his he using those “Goals” as an Excuse to periodically, get away from his kid?” ;)
comic reader 22 over 4 years ago
That’s a stupid thing for Brad to say. Not all kids are loud, demanding and annoying, but if Shannon is an example of the kind of children Brad and Toni would raise then I say the world is better off without them. I really don’t like the Shannon character at all.
WilliamVollmer over 4 years ago
I presume you and Toni have talked about this, Brad? We’ve all speculated about how Frank and Nancy want Grandkids, and, how Luann would like a niece, or, nephew-besides Shannon.
Billys mom2022 over 4 years ago
Children are how you raise them. Let them do what they want without structure, They become Shannons.
jonesbeltone over 4 years ago
Puddles doing his part.
Aladar30 Premium Member over 4 years ago
Nice to see Puddles have fun playing with Shannon. The little dog used to be very annoyed with her. But it’s already some strips that this has changed. Shannon has finally figured out how to play with animals in a good way♡. Also, it’s great to see Brad and Luann talk about their dreams for the future. Brad wants to have children, what does Luann want? Go to a college? Go to an art institute? Find love? Finding a good job? Travel the world? Have fun with friends? I hope they can make their dreams come true.
Tyge over 4 years ago
Act I appears to be a recurring nightmare!
darcyandsimon over 4 years ago
But Shannon didn’t have Toni and Brad as her parents. She’s actually a pretty good kid, on the whole.
Tyge over 4 years ago
I guess Luann’s not returning to Pitts C.C. this fall. Monday she looked like she was dressed for a job interview. Very mature; very Aunt-ish.
Tyge over 4 years ago
Yesterday I thought Bwad looked somewhat depressed. Today it appears to be more like “wistful.” Maybe his biological clock is ticking. He should be having this conversation with his wife instead of his sister.
Say, wait a minute! Just which bedroom is Toni painting???
smurf764 over 4 years ago
There are lots of story lines waiting for Brad de-programing their kids after a Shannon play time
CynthiaLeigh over 4 years ago
Doesn’t Luann have anything better to do?
Ukko wilko over 4 years ago
Kids don’t have to be loud, demanding and annoying. Proper parenting can greatly improve children. Unfortunately, it seems to be a lost art.
YorkGirl Premium Member over 4 years ago
Apparently nothing important broken yesterday. No consequences. And we’re in for more daily vignettes of Shannon’s antics.
Willow Mt Lyon over 4 years ago
Better build another room onto the house.
Johnnyrico over 4 years ago
“Kids are loud, demanding and annoying”….. Boy, you’ve barely scratched the surface!
Cincoflex over 4 years ago
I dunno; the fact that Brad is a pretty good father to Shannon says a lot. He’s doing a better job than her biological father.
Tyge over 4 years ago
Bernice living at the DeGroot’s is beginning to look like “The Spinster Club.” 8^ (
wantcomicsnow over 4 years ago
I don’t understand why a lot of people think just because Toni’s repainting her and Brand’s bedroom, that absolutely means she must be pregnant. Why? It didn’t say she was trying to figure a way to enlarge the bedroom, or picking out baby furniture, or even knitting little booties like all the good little wifeys used to do in those old sitcoms.
If repainting a room is an indication that a woman’s pregnant, then my one aunt should have had at least eight or nine kids. That woman repainted every room in her house every two to three years. :P :D
Joe1962 over 4 years ago
Kids will be kids
Dr. Caligari over 4 years ago
When did Brad pick up another X chromosome?
KEA over 4 years ago
Way too many people want (and have) children for no good reason at all.
Sisyphos over 4 years ago
Brad’s desire is not unusual, though it may be perplexing.
Luann needs to measure her words more carefully. After all, she is the “Second Act” among the DeGroot offspring. And “great” is not how I would describe her at this point in her life….
PeterPirate over 4 years ago
Look how happy Puddles is.
Anyone who doesn’t see the good in Shannon is a modern-day Cromwellian Roundhead. Begone, unimaginative Puritans!
Tha_Hype over 4 years ago
And with kids, there are ALWAYS shades of grey. Just because a kid is not the best child doesn’t necessarily mean they are the worst. There are many shades of grey in between. That’s why “one size fits all” theory of child rearing doesn’t work for many.
Troglodyte over 4 years ago
I like Brad for being able to see the best of what life has given him. Shannon is only a child, and though annoying at times, she loves “Bwad” and Toni to bits, and they have lots of affection for her too. Brad and Toni will be great parents, though I doubt I’ll ever get to witness the progression, given how slowly time crawls along in the Luannverse.
Zylophone over 4 years ago
Children are the parents of the future. I’ve always never understood why parents are always calling children idiots, because in essence, they care calling themselves idiots.
asrialfeeple over 4 years ago
I NEVER wanted one.
aHayStack over 4 years ago
Very interesting!
spaced man spliff over 4 years ago
Shannon and Calvin: they deserve each other.
BlitzMcD over 4 years ago
Brad said a mouthful in the final panel.
agripotter over 4 years ago
when she grows up she’ll be more interesting than most adults
Boise Ed Premium Member over 4 years ago
I don’t get it, either, Brad.
bakana over 4 years ago
One tiny little letter away from a ‘Cease & Desist" from Disney’s Lawyers.
illuminare over 4 years ago
Most people dont realize the responsibility of raising a child , the nights of getting no sleep, the constant keeping after a toddler, the whining and the diapers etc. the cost of a child up to college and hopefully getting the child out of the house and on their own. i dont know how my parents did it with 6 kids but they did do some planning on where they wanted to live and they had careers already and had wanted kids from the start and knew what that entailed and they knew the sacrifice that their lives would never be the same once that first child was born.
HaulinOates82 about 4 years ago
Man, I’ve known so many Shannons in my life: neglected kids treated like an unlovable burden by crappy parents and caretakers. Luann is not teacher material if she’s this judgmental of a child with no mother, a negligent father, and resentful aunt. :-[