Alan & Brenda Leonard

5/10/03 09:49:

> Definitely "teacher talk." Although, many teachers I know do not engage in
> this type of speak...s-i-l seems to have mastered it! I am typically left
> aghast
> at her comments, not quite sure how to respond to her baited words...in front
> of extended family.
>
> Which can be good...it seems to throw her off when I don't respond, as if she
> was
> hoping for a juicy argument.

I've said this before here, but often I dodge my mother's arguements by the
non sequitor reply. She makes comments about what Tim is missing in school,
and I chatter about how well he's doing in a whole different area -- soccer,
cub scouts, dance, etc. When she's talking about school, I do NOT mention
the things he does do at the school, like his "library class" or chess club.
I save those for complaints about his eating. And so on.

We have really wierd conversations, but hey, it's less painful than the
fights!

brenda