The Difference Between Parents and Grandparents

The other night Tracy's parents came over to see the grandkids. Tracy and I had been trying to feed the kids their solid food dinner, and it wasn't going well.

"Eugene," Tracy sternly told our son, "I can't get the spoon in there when you close your mouth."

"See?" she said to me with exasperation, pointing at Little Eugene with the spoon. "He's closing his mouth before I get the spoon all the way in. Half the food goes in his mouth, half the food gets all over his face!"

"I know," I told her. "He's been doing that for the past couple of days. It's driving me crazy, too."

"Here, look at Olivia," I said to Tracy, as food dripped down her face and on her bib. "I can get the spoon in there fine, but the food gets pushed out again because Olivia keeps sticking her tongue out!" I exhaled deeply in frustration.

Just then Ed and Aleene arrived. I asked them if they would you like to feed the kids some dinner. They eagerly said yes, each taking a seat in front of one of the kids. We were ready for a break, and quickly got out of the way.

"Have fun!" I said sarcastically, content to watch someone else get frustrated for a while. But, that's exactly what they did. They smiled and made goo-goo faces, which these previously uncooperative children reciprocated. The feeding continued.

"Oh, look Ed! Olivia keeps sticking her tongue out and it's getting food all over her face," my mother-in-law said with a laugh.

"Look, look," she said laughing. "She's doing it again!"

"You're just as bad as your brother," my father-in-law playfully told his granddaughter. "He keeps closing his mouth before I can get the spoon in!"

Aleene looked over and laughed. "He's got food all over the place!" she said.

This went on and on. Tracy and I stared in bewilderment. We eventually looked at each other.

"Isn't this the same behavior that we were pulling our hair out over just ten minutes ago?" I asked my wife.

"I think it is," Tracy told me.

"So, what's the difference?" I asked her.

"I guess it's the difference between parents and grandparents," she said.

Unnecessary Parental Competitiveness

I know all parents are proud of their children. And I don't mean to brag. But, I must say, my son is really advanced.

Eugene has just gotten his seventh tooth. That's right. He has seven teeth! The boy is barely 8 months old, and he's out-pacing kids twice his age.

Now, I understand some children are dentally challenged. Parents, don't worry if your 1 year old is still working on his first top tooth. Every child develops at their own pace. They will eventually end up with the same number of teeth.

My kid just happens to be kicking your kid's butt!

SOLID FOOD WARNING!

* FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - WARNING! *

To all parents introducing solid foods to your children: WARNING! Beech-Nut Stage 2 Prunes may have unanticipated effects on your children and your children's clothing, as well as anything they happen to be sitting upon.

Beech-Nut Stage 2 Prunes are not just a step above Plums. The laxative effect of Beech-Nut Stage 2 Prunes is markedly enhanced.

For parents who decide to feed their children Beech-Nut Stage 2 Prunes, proper site preparation is recommended. Begin with plastic sheeting covering surfaces 3 to 4 feet in all directions. Two baby lengths is a good rule of thumb.

For yourself, wear old clothing, perhaps something you've used for painting. For the children who don't really have "old" clothes, dress them in something they've nearly out grown. Be prepared to throw away all clothing.

Have a bucket of warm, soapy water on hand. Keep a ready supply of clean, fresh rags. As a final note, Febreze Fabric Refresher will help minimize any aromas lingering in affected areas.