Top ten most frequently heard phrases from my (top) ten year old

In a minute/In just a sec/Later.

It’s not inappropriate.

It’s so unfair.

You don’t understand.

All my friends can read/see/say/hear it.

You make me go to bed so (yawn) early.

I heard you, I just didn’t know you wanted an answer.

I want a playdate.

This show will be over in just a few minutes.

I know I picked it out (and so you took the tags off and washed it), but I’ve decided I don’t like it anymore.

And then, almost every night, I get a sleepy, "You’re the best mommy ever."

And that, my friends, is how I get through trying parenting days. Like today.

(Note to Caroline, when you find this blog and need therapy: Yes. You say all these things, almost every day. Yes, they push every button I have. Yes, I probably said them to my mother, so I will try not to assume you're going to end up a crazy lonely old lady with a lot of cats. Rather, I think you'll end up just like me -- with a payback kid you love with all your heart.)