(This was posted in our Multiply site back in July 2009)
Of late, our household has been overtaken with all things “apple”. Not the fruit, but the creation of Steve Jobs. Ariel has his Macbook since last year, and i got myself some happiness – the iphone – two weeks ago. I am still waiting for my own Macbook to arrive as “demand has exceeded supply”, as they say …
We all have our individual user accounts on Ariel’s Macbook. Gab’s account, my 10 year old, is restricted. There is a nifty tool that would block a number of sites from Gab including a game site called “Evony”.
Gab: “Mum, how come i am not allowed to access the Evony website?”
Mum: “Well, the Macbook thinks that it is not a good game for little kiddies.”
Gab: “But, Mum, can i not have free access to my favorite games?”
Mum: “No, sweetheart. For although we eat free range eggs, i cannot allow you to be free range. Just be thankful that you are not a “caged” egg. The good news is – your brother and you are “barn-laid”. “
Gab (with an incredulous look): “Mum, what are you talking about?”
Mum: “Barn-laid means that you are free to flap your wings, jump and soar, exercise and socialise but within particular boundaries, such as in a barn.”
Gab: “But i want to be free-range!”
Mum: “Sorry, darling, this conversation is finished”.
From then on, Gab and I have private jokes about being free-range, barn-laid or caged. He does get the message, bless him.
I don’t know of any other mums who would compare their children with chicken. I surprise myself with my chicken-and-egg parenting skills. To all the mums out there – try and apply!
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