Today I met with two very old friends, by which I mean friends-of-longstanding, rather than ancient pals. It was lovely to see them, and it didn't take long before we were comparing notes on our offspring. Our first children were all the same age when we met, so inevitably things steer in that direction at some point.
(Of course not before I Told them about Homeopathy for Health in Africa )
Today the feature was the difference between boys and girls. It seems that boys tend to be more direct than girls. When, in my enthusiasm, I suggested to my elder son that we held a fundraising Barn Dance for all the parents - who I know, and their children - who he and my other son know, he commented "That would be ridiculous. No one of my age would go near an event that their parents were at". He even laughed; I was rather put out. But it seems that that is how boys are: plain speaking.
Girls on, the other hand, are less straightforward. It seems that if Dad tells her something she must do, she might vaguely nod and perhaps even let a "hmmm" escape her lips, but that is all. Now as mothers we know that this means "not bloody likely", but a father is more inclined to interpret this as "yes Dad, I agree with all you say" and peace and happiness ensues until Dad realises this.
This issue of bluntness versus interpretation extends to chores; there is a need for clarity with young men that is not necessary with young ladies. A simple comment about a full dishwasher and a requirement for clean plates ready for supper will elicit unstacking of the dishwasher from any girl worth her salt. Not so with a boy. He will slope off in his own little world and be completely bemused when tasked with the question "why didn't you unstack?", countering with "but you didn't ask me!" Foolish lad, did he not understand that this was implicit.
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