For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for April 17, 2019

I foresee another flaming fit. Better hit the dirt, boy, while you still have your skin.

You’re gutsy, Mike. You know your mom has a temper.

The kid is learning the rules of politics….They who have the money make the rules.

Typical! Well now’s the time to teach him a valuable lesson Elly. Do NOT give into him!

Michael, look up “chutzpah” in the dictionary. You’ll find this scene next to it!

Yes, Elly. Michael MADE you do something you NEVER do — throw a flaming fit! That’s hilarious.

He would make a good lawyer!

If it gets him out of your hair for a couple of hours, give it to him.

I would tell him if he’s willing to do his chores without any attitude like he displayed not so long ago, and you can see evidence of this for two weeks from now, then certainly we will investigate how much more he can have.

“Dearest Mom, who is the most awesome mom in recorded history, to whom queens and princesses of right bow, might you grant the request of this lowly and undeserving servant to advance his paltry allowance?”

How about trying it with a “please” or a “thank you”?

Of course, he’s going to be polite when he wants something. That’s perfectly normal. (Especially when there is another adult as a witness.)

Oh yeah. The table turning and calming effect of ‘want’. Not need, people will flip out over needs not met, but simple want can make the mighty humble.

Don’t give into him, Elly. Don’t be so happy that he’ showing you a little niceness that you agree to anything. Of course, I’m sure you will.

Uh no. I had to clean your room, I had to pick up after you, I did your clothes and fed you. Then you had to waste my time arguing. In fact, you owe me about $10 bucks. So no advance, no allowance. You will get your allowance when you start acting like a human.

My teenage son always kept his room clean and his bed made. I took the door to his room off it’s hinges when he was in Jr. High. and put it back up when he left for college. I also taught him to cook about that age (he’s quite good at that), and I wrote the “how to do your laundry instructions” and posted it by the washer/dryer. He started doing his own laundry when the, ah, “good dream fairy” began to visit. He’s 40, now, a father of two, and happy in his family and his work. Who could ask for anything more?

That kind of sarcasm is inappropriate, though. If he’s finally showing manners, don’t react negatively.

As soon as my grandsons hit their middle teens…..the only time they visit me is to ask for money they think they need.

That boy meeds a good hard less in real manners and economy and household chores-no chores done no money-no manners no money

Hubby said “I don’t know, can I have an advance on your chores?”

Right now Ellie when you need to make the right choices

“No.”

No advances! That’ll be good training for when he is 80, on SS and have a week to go when the money runs out!

And ‘that’ is why we have the power!!!!

NO!!! I’m sending your allowance to St. Jude’s for the next six (6) months… Care to comment and get nine (9) months???

Michael has not been shown to be fiscally responsible either. There was a strip where borrowed a dollar from Elizabeth to get out of the “no allowance until your room is cleaned up”. So not only after that did he no income, he was now in debt to his sister!

What allowance? You start paying rent so you’d better get a job. Unless you turn around mister. Out you will go the moment you are of age.

I’m surprised Elly didn’t call BS on his lie: “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Five… Four… Three… Two…