I love music in the car, like most people. But when my daughters are with me, it’s not always easy listening.
Me: Ooh! Love this song.
[Turns it up to hear over backseat bickering]
Biggest Daughter: Mommy, I’m taking my lunch to school tomorrow. Today was yucky.
[Turns radio down.]
Me: Oh, yeah? What’d you eat?
I only half-listen. The other half sings along with Gwen Stefani.
Biggest: Blah blah gross blah blah blah…
Me: Mmm… Mm-hmm. Sounds delicious.
[Turns back up as song changes to John Mayer, a favorite. Turns up louder.]
Littlest Daughter: Mommy! Look at those cows. They’re running! Why are they running?
[Turns down radio. So sorry, John.]
Me: It’s feeding time. See the truck? The cows know the farmer’s just arrived with food.
Littlest: I’m gonna be a cowgirl when I grow up. Mommy, do you know where my cowgirl hat is?
Me: Basement. Find later. Listen now. Pretty.
[Turns it up again. Say What You Need to Say, John. Go ahead, buddy. But he’s done, darnit; it’s someone different, fluffy.]
Biggest: Mommy, what’s this song about? Did she say “crazy voices”?
[Turns it down. Again. With a little bit of huff.]
Me: No! She sang “many choices.” If you listen, you’ll hear. Listen! She’s telling a story.
[Turns up, just one more time. I am determined.]
Littest: Mommy, what are we having for dinner tonight?
[Turns radio OFF. Because why bother? I mean, really.]
Me: Food. We’re having food.
Biggest: Will you turn the radio back on, Mommy?
So true!! Yes! You nailed it, Janna. Thanks for this fun piece.
ReplyDeleteROFL!! Love this! And totally relatable.
ReplyDeleteI prefer to turn it up until the voices disappear completely.
ReplyDeleteI remember those days, when my kids were little. Now it's the grandkids, but we leave the radio off, sinc we only see them 3 times a year.
ReplyDeleteDo you think they ask questions on purpose, knowing that you want to listen to music? I think they have kid clubs where they conspire...
Yep. I listened to that station for years. Now the static sounds like this, "Mom, you could have made that light. . .Mom the speed limit is 45. . .Mom Stop punching me and WATCH THE ROAD!"
ReplyDelete