Dear Consumer,
We are very sorry to hear that you are unhappy with the purchase of Your Child. While we agreed that she does in fact sound “stubborn,” “maddening,” “frustrating,” and “out to get you,” we don’t believe that she is “broken.” The Board discussed your lengthy petition for a replacement Child and unanimously denied your request.
Please know that we are very selective when placing a Child with a family. We take great time and effort to match personalities, talents, humor and wills. And as one of our Members pointed out, your mother sent a similar request to us concerning you 27 years ago and was denied as well.
We suggest that you keep up your level of creativity. For instance we studied the “I want a new mommy!” incident and were quite impressed with your calm, proactive response. Bundling her up in her coat and hiking her over to Target to help her shop for a new mommy was just what she needed to snap out of her funk. We especially liked the nice touch of telling her how much you’d miss her if she left after she changed her mind and apologized. Well done.
We also approve of the “No Warning” system you installed in her life. You go over the rules on a regular basis and when she breaks one, she is consequenced immediately. This makes sense to her, and while she doesn’t like it, she respects you more when you stick to your system.
The Board feels, however, that you have some serious work to do. On yourself. We are happy with your progress over the last four years, but your pride and laziness continue to cause flare-ups. Stop comparing her to other peoples’ kids and yourself to other mothers. Stop worrying about their opinions on your parenting style. Frankly, if you weren’t so judgmental, you wouldn’t think so many people were judging you.
We also suggest that you work on your will. It has softened a little over the years and needs sharpening if you hope to stand a chance when Your Child turns twelve.
The more we discussed the placement of Your Child, the more we congratulated our initial decision to place the two of you together.
Carry on,
Consumer Affairs, Heaven
.
.
January 13, 2009 at 9:44 am |
Ok, this one made me squirm a little… so erm, yeah. What? Who is competitive? I’m not! Pflfpfft!
January 13, 2009 at 11:21 am |
“Frankly, if you weren’t so judgmental, you wouldn’t think so many people were judging you”
NICE. POINT.
SO. TRUE.
And how is it that having kids makes us less willful but more so at the same time??
Good stuff.
January 13, 2009 at 11:32 am |
Possibly the most well-disguised, most satisfying ending (final phrase)you’ve written yet. that was one of those Usual Suspects endings where once you know it the whole piece means something totally different.
i had a whole different tone in my head because of the whole Shel Silverstein “daughter (sister) for sale” thing…
January 13, 2009 at 11:40 am |
Great post. I always appreciate your unique angle you take on pretty everyday topics (i.e. wanting to exchange your kid/parent for an upgraded model).
January 13, 2009 at 1:34 pm |
I reposted this to myspace and Facebook. And Voted on it. It’s PRICELESS!
January 13, 2009 at 3:05 pm |
That is a wonderful post that makes me think about my approach with Tooters some days. But I think I will still put her up for auction on Ebay at 12 since I don’t know how I am going to handle a teen as a single mom.
January 13, 2009 at 5:01 pm |
Ironically, I’ve been offering my children for sale to strangers for years and years and so far no takers.
Of course, I don’t really mean it. Except for right now as my 8 year old leans over me, nose to cheek, saying “NOT funny mommy.”
Really?
I find it hilarious.
Love the post – humourous realism is the only way I get through the day.
January 13, 2009 at 5:10 pm |
OMG, that is so me and my daughter. Actually, in a few years I am sure she will be writing some form of this post about me! Great one again!
January 13, 2009 at 6:59 pm |
Why are you so damn clever and how can I be like that?
Really, great post. Very clever and very wise. You rock!
January 13, 2009 at 8:31 pm |
When Rainy was throwing up over Christmas break, Zoe started crying and shouting, “I want a new baby!” Your post reminded me of that happy week with sick and screaming children.
January 13, 2009 at 8:42 pm |
As others have said before me, but I feel the need to reiterate, this post of yours is clever, creative, and just plain awesome.
Oh and ditto on the “how can I be like that?”
January 14, 2009 at 12:20 am |
Fabulous! What can I say!?
January 14, 2009 at 6:21 am |
The 1/2 baby at the top of the page reminds me of Wilson from Home Improvement. I’m beginning to think the baby’s face is always 1/2 covered with a bottle or a doll or something of that nature.
January 14, 2009 at 4:59 pm |
Great way to get the point across, we’ve all been guilty of thinking or worst saying we would sell our kids or at least exchange them, but writing a letter to the maker is wonderful! I think when the times comes and A says he wants a new mother, I’ll have him write a letter to our maker too!
January 16, 2009 at 2:41 pm |
Oh my goodness – this is great – so clever! I definitely know the feeling!
January 16, 2009 at 7:25 pm |
How I LOVE this one and can truly say “I understand what you’re going through.” And yeah, I did send up similar letters of desperation every now and then….many, many years ago. But truly,YOU WERE WORTH IT!
January 22, 2009 at 8:19 pm |
Oh I love this post and your blog generally. It had me laughing out loud!
February 19, 2009 at 4:13 pm |
We have definitely all been there!
December 4, 2009 at 10:25 am |
Maybe some sort of swap on freecycle? I have a 5 y/o that might make you appreciate your little one!
December 5, 2009 at 6:54 am |
big thumbs up on this one…LOVE IT!