Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Intro to Logic: Tautologies and Contradictions

"Mama? I want a TV in my room." Jay declared this morning.

"That is silly. You room is a BEDroom. Not a TVroom." I declared and was satisfied with my reasoning.

"But. But... other kids have TVs in their rooms."

"We aren't like other kid's families." Score. Two points for mama.

"Than why do YOU have a TV in YOUR bedroom, Mama?" Lola asked.

Damn. She got me. All of the sudden my kids are able to have a perfectly logical argument with me. Soon they will realize that I have no clue what I am doing as a parent and realize that I often contradict myself. I fear that day is coming soon.

In the meantime. Happy Birthday Cocia Natka. Hugs and kisses from the OHfamily, we love you more.

65classy comments:

Jodee said...

That is hilarious! This sounds like a conversation that could have taken place at our house!

Cynthia said...

Not ready for that conversation...No TV in kiddos bedroom...TV in Mommy's bedroom, sounds good to me!

Amy said...

Because I'm the Mommy, that's why!
Dude, I have a T-shirt that says exactly that.

krissy said...

Dear sweet OhMommy, it only gets worse. I'm sorry I'm the bearer of bad news.

Wait until the eye rolls come with it. I just tell my daughter that I get to do whatever I want to do because I am over 18yrs old. That's how it works!!!

Rhea said...

I know, it all went downhill when they started talking...and then arguing back at us.

I didn't want TVs in my kids room but my darling mother-in-law gave them flatscreens for Christmas.

So, they have them in their rooms...but no cable. They can hook up video games to play in there when they have friends over. I'm still in charge around here...I think.

maggie said...

Hahaha, yep, once the logic stage hits, it changes the game a bit. Some logic does seem to leave again for a few of the teen years, though, I've heard. ;)

Zoeyjane said...

Isobel has a tv with a VCR in her bedroom. No cable and only a few VHS movies. But it has saved me many a pulled out hair and potential skin grafting on those days when she just wouldn't let me make dinner without being RIGHT THERE, risking burns.

Jules said...

I hate it when my kids can out-think and out-argue me....... and they are still little! I'm doomed!

Unknown said...

LOL, Amy's answer sounds good to me!

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

That's when you just have to break out "because I'm the Mama, that's why." lol!

carrie said...

Darn it! They're on to you!

ps - books mailed out today!(technically, yesterday, I guess) :)

Glowstars said...

When that day comes they'll have to realise that you may contradict yourself, but it's a parental right and there ain't nothing they can do about it!

Indy said...

She is good. Tricky, Tricky.

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

Guess what kiddos? Mommy doesn't get to watch tv ALL DAY long because of little squirts and their cartoons. So if I need a little bit of free time, watching my recorded shows? Then I'm GETTING it!

When you're 18, and can buy your own tv and satellite receiver? We'll talk about tvs then.

Beth Cotell said...

Of course, the correct response is, "Because I'm the mommy. That's why!"

I've used it quite frequently and the kids just storm off with arms folded and a pout on their face.

Lisa said...

"When you're a grown-up you can do whatever you want - but right now you're a kid in my house..."

I hate it when they start figuring us out. And tell them at least there is a TV in your room in Ohio - in our bedroom in Iowa there's no TV - Hubby's Mom must have told him he couldn't have a TV one too many times!

Mama Smurf said...

I'm a hypocrit too. Join the club. My kids have been begging me for over a year. But here's the thing. If they get a TV...I'll NEVER see them. Just can't do it.

Miss Lisa said...

My mom wouldn't let me and I STILL don't have one in my room--just stick to your guns!

Mom said...

Ha ha ha, my kids have just started to "get smart" too and it is killing me, I need to learn to think on my feet a bit better.

Chris said...

Just try to stay one step ahead! As a teacher, I am having to keep one logical thought ahead of my students and it has worked so far! Ha.

Anonymous said...

I also get to drive a car and pay bills, would you like to get auto coverage for your cute under 42 inch self and see how that goes??? Hum? I didn't think so, until then I get a TV! (sticks out tongue and hands on hips)

Jeni said...

Yep - sure does put a whole new spin on things once the kids reach the age where they can cough up a little bit of logic on us! Too darned cute though. Maya was in "time out" yesterday, being obnoxious most of the day, and as such, was quite irritated with me when she announced she "doesn't like living in this place anymore and she's going to run away." I threw her for a bit of a loop when I told her to come on, I'll help you pack!
On another note, I dunno if you read my blog and if you access it via Google Reader, but if so, Reader is not updating my blog now for some reason that I can't figure out. Just wanted to let you know that I have had several posts up since the last one Reader shows -dated July 31st. Irritating as all get out trying to figure out what's wrong when I should be first in line to buy "Blogging (or Google) for Dummies"

Robyn said...

Ooohh, she got you!

I hadn't forseen that argument. I'm dead set against tv in children's rooms, but couldn't live without mine! At least I have a few years to come up with a good response...

Rachel said...

We've had that same conversation!
It's because we're the parents and we pay for it and we're adults and we make better decisions *snort* and we're responsible and ....
Jay is one smart cookie love, you're in trouble. you do realize that right?
Love ya.

Courtney said...

I dread the day when my kids expose my secrets.

1) I have no idea what I am doing as a parent.

2) I am not the smartest person in the world (like they truly believe now)

The second secret exposed will break my heart.

Jo Ashline said...

This is superman and I almost everday. HAHA. Lola is right behind you mom!

Kelly said...

I hate when they get me like that! LOL

We have a TV in our room too but will not put them in the boys' rooms. But it's a treat for them to come cuddle in bed and watch something and I love that.

MommyTime said...

My solution is just to invite them into my room to watch in the early mornings. See? It's everyone's TV. :)

Desiree said...

Haha, too funny!

We don't have a tv at all, so I'm hoping I'll never have to have that kind of conversation -- ours will be more like "I SAW THIS THING CALLED TV OMFG WHY DO WE LIVE IN THE 1800s MOM!?"

We shall see, hah.

Ali said...

my kids have also recently started asking for tvs in their rooms. and it always end in "but YOU have one" and i always am tempted to become my mother for a split second and say "when you are a mother, you can do whatever you like"

Marmarbug said...

Darn it! I would have been like, "UHHHHHHHHHH???" I hate when they get us like that. Kids are getting smarter!!!

Anonymous said...

Yes, this sounds like a conversation I had with my 6 year old. I told her we just don't have TVS in there sweet pea. We do have one in ours but it is more of decoration than used. I think she knows we never watch it so the issue was not pressed. So funny! See they learn all of our secrets. My 6 year old can read now and figured out that I skip pages sometimes.

Unknown said...

don't worry - you'll be able to get away with your reasoning for quite some time still!! "because i'm an adult" seemed to work on me til i was 13.

thanks for the bday wishes. HAPPY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU!!

Don Mills Diva said...

I think that day is unfortunately coming for all of us...

Suburban Correspondent said...

It doesn't matter whether you are being logical or not. You are the parent and they are the child. Grown-ups have different rules. The sooner you drum that into their little heads, the better!

Let's face it - they're not allowed to drive a car, either. But you do...

Miss said...

Not only are they growing up, but getting smart and ganging up! Watch out! ;-)

Crystal D said...

Madeline just had that argument with me last week. Same desire and same reasoning. I told her as soon as she is an adult she will be able to have one in her bedroom too.
Of course we are starting to have that conversations a lot now...
"Other kids can have soda..."
"Other kids don't take a nap..."
"Other kids can stay up late..."
"Other kids can have more candy..."

AutoSysGene said...

Oh, your going to have to watch Lola..I think she's on to you!

Unknown said...

"And so came the day that OHmommy's life took a turn from which it never returned. Tune in next week as we further explore this radical new experience in OHmommy's life."

Hee, hee, hee.

Jolyn said...

Oh, goodness. Please don't ever let them guilt-trip you to go there. And don't fall into the trap of, "When you can afford to pay for your own tv...", either. Because someday they will! and truly, keeping a tv and internet connection out of their room and in the general living area is key to not letting those things get out of control. And even then, you have to be careful (just wait until puberty, his friends come over, they're surfing the internet...) Trust me, it's not about being a "bad" or a "good" kid -- it's about being human! Okay, I've rambled...

April said...

Yep, the older they get, the more you start to understand that "because I'm the mommy" is a perfect reasonable argument!!

mamatulip said...

LOL - I hate it when they do that, pointing out your parental contradictions.

Tena said...

I hated when my oldest learned this, and they never forget to use it. You will think of a new and improved way to outwit them!!
HA HA HA

Stephanie said...

Here's a line that works for some mom's: Do as I say and not as I do. Although complete hypocrisy, sometimes kids need to be shot down at the knees before logic becomes the standard. ;oD

Angie @ KEEP BELIEVING said...

I'm going through this now that my 6 year old can read some. He now knows the sign doesn't say what I just told him it said.

KEEP BELIEVING

3 Peanuts said...

I hate it when they do that!

K

Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] said...

First stage of kidhood I want to take back: they get opinions (age 18 mo).

Second stage I want to take back: they realize you're lying 1/2 the time (age 4).

And the TV thing - I promised myself I'd never have TVs in my kids' rooms. It was a good run at 3 1/2 years...

Mark Salinas said...

I am a daddy...great site! :)

LiteralDan said...

Just ask her how many kids she has.

And as a followup, if needed, ask if she enjoys eating food on a daily basis.

That should end most such "logically flawless" confrontations. And this from a reformed, 9-years-sober true pain-in-the-ass teenager.

Cecily R said...

I tried the SAME logic with Isaac and Gracie. They pulled the same gem out of their hats. I think I walked away shaking my head mumbling something about being the mom,that's why...they are officially smarter than me. Sigh.

Kat said...

Doggone kids are too smart!

Eve Grey said...

That's when you say "So Mama can watch a show while she's folding the laundry honey". (:

Anonymous said...

Oh, it's so cute when they first start to question us mommies! Would love to tell you that they magically realise that Mommy logic really is the best, but well . . . just wait!

Helen Wright said...

Funny!

As one of my friends put it, "and there, at age 8, I realized that my parents were douches."

The things we have to look forward too!

Elizabeth Byler Younts said...

very cute...and smart!

Anglophile Football Fanatic said...

Ut oh. The use of perfectly logical arguments scares the bejeebers outta me.

Tara R. said...

Dangit! I hate it when kids get so smart. :D

Gretchen said...

Can you tell them, "I have TV so that when you are watching cartoons I can watch the news. But if you don't want me to have a TV in my room either then I will just have to watch my news in here and then that means NO MORE CARTOONS." I think they'll say "No mama you keep your tv!!!" You could also say, "I use my tv to keep an eye on you while you're sleeping. It's called closed cirucuit television." They won't know what that is until at least age 12, so that buys you a few more years.

Flea said...

We've had that conversation with each child, but there is only one TV in the house (not our bedroom), making it much easier. Now that the kids are older, the question is, "Why can't I have a cell phone? All the OTHER kids have one?"

Laski said...

OMG . . . they use logic? Does that come after or during the FACE. You know, the face with the chubby cheeks, quivering lower lip and puppy dog eyes.

I'm such a sucker . . .

Val said...

That is our rule in our house too. Though we have a t.v. in the family room, the game room and our bedroom, I have told the kids no t.v. in their rooms. They all have had a problem with it and asked for one in their room. Even my 16 year old doesn't have one. They also don't have computers in their room either. They have one to share in the gameroom where everyone can be.

Jaina said...

Well, because you're the mommy and that's just the way it is. I'm not sure whether to be proud they can come up with such logical arguments, or to be annoyed for the same reason.

Quarantine Hobby said...

Uh oh! Dangerous times are coming as they learn logic!

Mandy said...

Mmmmm Hmmm. Been there too!!!

Now my Biggest little one is officially a teenager as of Aug. 1st. I had 13 years to prepare, but I find myself vulnerable!!!

neutron said...

That's funny ... and cute but very hard to argue

 

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