“If you don’t stop this ball, you won’t be allowed on your Playstation all week!” he bellowed’
Image: Getty Images
Whether it’s a know-it-all boyfriend or an insufferable parent, there comes a time when you can’t take it anymore. And then you better be clear about that.
Annette (37), mother of Bryant (9) and Damian (7).
“We have a mother nearby who is always interfering in the children’s quarrels. One struggle between the boys at school and she – her poor sheep under her armpit – gets a story from every child. Interesting detail: her son is the one who usually starts the quarrels. Not that he learns to solve them, because Mom always jumps in between them.
“You don’t want another scolding from his mother, do you?”
When the rest of the neighborhood kids came to me again grumbling, I told them not to pick up that boy anymore. “You don’t want another scolding from his mother, do you?” Then the child was out. I felt really bad about it, because there’s probably nothing wrong with him. And yet, very childishly, this felt like a victory over her.”
Also read – ‘My best friend and I got into a fight over our daughters’ fight’ >
Hands at home
Mare (35), mother of Romée (6) and Ole (3).
“Everyone went crazy with the father who couldn’t keep his hands to himself. All the parents in our neighborhood knew each other. There were often parties, everyone drank. Then borders simply blur. Still: that the man managed to move his hands towards my breasts or buttocks at every meeting became a bit irritating. When his hands got lost for the umpteenth time during a neighborhood drink, I whispered, a little too loudly: ‘I think it’s so great that you have an open relationship; I was just about to talk to your wife about it.’ He never touched me with a finger again.”
Roaring down the line
Karin, mother of Mels (7) and Sara (5).
“They were only playing in the F’s and they were running after the ball. Brian, Mels’ best friend, was in goal. His father clearly took the game of football a lot more seriously than his son. “If you don’t stop this ball, you won’t be allowed on your Playstation all week!” he bellowed. Something that bothered all parents, but no one dared to say anything about.
“His father clearly took the game of football a lot more seriously than his son”
When Brian played with us shortly afterwards and his father came to get him, he stood frozen: ‘Bold, is that the new Fifa?’ he beamed. “Leave this old gentleman for a while, boys.” Something that bugged me. Now that roaring boss was suddenly a cool pear? ‘Sorry John,’ I said, ‘if you don’t shut up on the sidelines, you won’t be allowed on the Playstation all week.’”
Read the best stories, most recognizable columns and the best tips for you and your kids every month. Subscribe now to Kek Mama and get up to 45% discount.
