Tuesday, January 13, 2009

I Do Not Negotiate WithTerrorists

One should never underestimate the power that a good, puppy-dog face from one of your children has over your rational thinking process. Never.

In my case, the face was coming from a particular 11-year-old boy, with really long eyelashes.

I thought it was kind of funny that I had to remind him to turn his light off at 10:30 on a school night. Usually he is a lights-out-at-nine-on-the-dot kind of kid and we never have to remind him or check on him to make sure he isn't sitting in his bed, flashlight stuck between his neck and shoulder, covers pulled over his entire body reading late into the night. Not even when he was reading Twilight...

[Yes, I let him read it and no, he wasn't traumatized.]

But on that night, the night he was knee-deep in a new adventure book about a cougar, it was a different story. The next day, when he was animatedly recalling what he'd read the night before, it was as if he were possessed.

He begged, he pleaded, he said he'd do anything to stay up late and read his new book.

I reasoned, I lectured, I explained that staying up that late on a school night was not an option.

I told him that he was welcome to read, anytime, during the day if he wanted.

[What a concept!]

He begged, he pleaded and he whined some more.

I reasoned, I lectured and I repeated what I'd said before.

[This went on and on and on.]

Finally, I had had enough.

"Honey!" I said in my most maternal tone of voice. "You just can't stay up that late on a school night, end of story."

"But, but, but..." He stammered.

"But nothing. I do not negotiate with terrorists."

That shut him up.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

He just needs to work the "look" a bit more.

Wait another year or two and it will be the hidden flashlight and groaning morning!

Anonymous said...

If I ever have to argue with my child about staying up late to read (which btw I totally hope I do that is SO AWESOME) I am SO using that line.

Anonymous said...

And his Uncle Jack and I are delighted that he is really enjoying the book we gave him!

Love, Aunt Joan

Unknown said...

ha ha!!!

The Family said...

As a teacher, I think this is fantastic that he wanted to stay up for a book...instead of say, watching Hannah Montana or some such nonsense. Well done you!!!

CK said...

Oh now why did someone have to mention Hannah Montana!?! It's after 8 - my daughter's bedtime. I try not to even think of that monopolizer after hours. haha. Yes, it's great...have him do his nightly duties (chores, bathing, homework, etc.) earlier and spit-spot so he can get more reading time!

flutter said...

*snort*!

Girlplustwo said...

you should totally be in charge of really important stuff. like countries.

Anonymous said...

I'm with Jen...

Anonymous said...

I'm with Jen...

Kyla said...

Hahaha! Well played.

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

I don't negotiate with terrorists is a definite catchphrase around these parts.

Is he a Gary Paulsen fan? One of my sons was very into the boy surviving in the wilderness genre.

Anonymous said...

Oh how I remember pleading with my mom to stay up late and read... but she did not negotiate with terrorists either..hehehe

Anonymous said...

I was the kid that would stay up late reading - I used to love summer for the extra long daylight hours.

Buddy can't quite figure out how I'm able to read in the dark and "practice" doesn't seem to be a good enough answer.

Mrs. Flinger said...

LOVE it. And will probably use it. ;-)