The kid whisperer.

“Oh, Im not living without you, not living without you

I dont wanna be free

Im staying, Im staying

And you, and you, and you

You're gonna love me.”

Sunday night, for the first time, I saw a show called, “The Dog Whisperer.” I am not going to say I didn’t think it was a bit hokey, and had it not been on a “pet channel,” I know it would never have seen the light of day. But it has been on for more than one episode, so I assume a lot of people watch it. We did, so they at least have one viewing family.

After watching it, and witnessing our youngest daughter have a “major meltdown” over our unwillingness to invest another $5.00 in an online game called, “Pet Pet Park,” she let us have it. At nearly 7 years of age, she has picked up some of the “wonderful” traits that we had hoped had avoided her---however, they came through loud and clear.

We gave her a time out, but that didn’t seem to work as she began packing her clothes for a journey “that was going to take her away from the meanest parents in the world;” she said, “we must not care about her because they won’t give her 500 coins to be used in this online game.” We suck is how I interpreted it.

Susan and I were outside her door, and we could not help but laugh (lightly) as we heard drawers opening, and closing, all in preparation for our youngest to walk out of the house and be on her way. She was “serious, and she was not going to live with us any longer.”  I started to visualize her walking down the street, hopping on a train to Chicago, and trying to check into a hotel with a blanket and very small bag. I know I am mean, but it was really funny.

Since we had yet to eat dinner, I was running out to Trader Joe’s to get some food and left the situation in much better hands. All I could think about as I drove was, “I wonder if there is a market for a ‘kid whisperer’?” One where you can use sound to stop a child from misbehaving--or at least make sure they know they can’t act that way. Enough of Super Nanny and all the other reality shows, this would be one that had a serious side, but also let parents know we are not alone.

When I came back home, the tantrum was over, she was now in her pajamas and she let me know she was sorry. But she still asked about spending the $5.00. It’s her money, but I think it’s a good idea to let them know, there are better things to do with it. That’s my point of view, not hers of course.

 The photo above is of our 4 daughters who up until mid-August lived in our home. The oldest one did pack her bags, and whereas she didn’t hop on a train or check into a hotel, she did travel well beyond the boundaries of Glen Ellyn. She is in college. For the rest, who are still at home, any more tantrums and I am going on the web in search of the “kid whisperer.”

Thanks for stopping by.