CHILDREN ARE TRULY a blessing and though I may not have been blessed to have my own flesh and blood, I have been more than blessed to have a lovely six year old going on 30.
I now understand when people say raising a child is a full time and difficult job. There is difficulty because of the financial aspect, and then there is the fact that you are responsible for shaping the morals and values of another human being. You are now the go to for everything and must maintain an open line of communication so they feel safe talking to you.
But you know what is the hardest thing about parenting? That moment when they do something that is so wrong, but at the same time it is so funny and you have to hold in the laugh till yuh catch cramp just so they don’t see them laughing.
Now my lil munchkin is the most expressive, dramatic and charismatic child you can think of. Just the other day she got into some trouble, you know the usual for any six-year-old: talking during lessons, playing, etcetera. When the incident occurred and we were told about it her parents and myself were extremely angry because she’s been taught better, so it was decided that we needed a meeting. I highly doubt that any of us were prepared for what took place in this family meeting.
Munchkin was placed in a corner by herself while we all sat and waited for her to explain what happened and what we heard next could only be matched by the argument of a lawyer with the confidence of a thousand men. She began to speak and gesticulate with her hands, tilting of the head and making eye contact.
Couldn’t stop talking
“Well, she was talking and I was trying to tell her not to talk so I could finish my work, but she wouldn’t stop talking and it made me talk. Then yes we were playing and I know I was wrong for playing, I should be more responsible because I am a big girl.
“Listen, I know daddy doesn’t pay for playtime, playtime is free that doesn’t make sense, daddy pays for lessons and I shouldn’t waste daddy’s money.”
Look if you doubt me ask me. The only thing we could do is hit each other as inconspicuously as possible as an outlet for the laughter that was bubbling up inside of us.
By the end of her opening argument to the jury the only thing we could do in the end was sentence her to no television and send her to bed so we could laugh.
I am Toni-Ann “Acka” Johnson. Love, peace and Mazola Corn Oil.
• Toni Johnson is an actress versed in the area of comedy. Email: [email protected]
