Life Lessons

I'm trying to teach my teens about responsibility, but sometimes it's tough going, especially when their schools teach them that the world revolves around them. If X-Chromo's school had its way, I'd be doing something for them 24/7. Y-Chromo's school mostly does get its way, and I am tired of arranging my life, TV Stevie's life, and family moments around Y-Chromo's constant spate of school-related commitments.

This morning, however, I win. Sort of.

It is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and school is out until Monday. However, due to school, I have a myriad of unexpected errands.

X-Chromo needs her eyeglasses repaired. Someone stepped on them in science class yesterday. I'm not sure I want to know the details.

Y-Chromo needs a new saxophone case. He's been asking me to take him to a downtown music store for weeks. I don't want to drive downtown. Since it's my car and my time, I win.

This morning I seized a "teachable moment."

"Write down exactly what you're looking for in a sax case, then place the following calls: 1) The music store that is closest to our house; 2) a music store in a nearby suburb; 3) the downtown music store."

Naturally, he had to give me a difficult time. "What's the number for the music store in our neighborhood? They've moved since the phone book came out."

Me: "Call the old number. Either they took it with them or the phone company will tell you the new number." (How did he get to be 16 and not know this?)

Neighborhood music store doesn't carry sax cases.

Y-Chromo: "The suburban music store changed its name. How can I look it up in the phone book?"

Me: "Look up the old name. Either the number is the same or the phone company will tell you the new number." (He still hasn't learned.)

Fortunately, the suburban store has what he wants. But he didn't ask what time they close. I made him call back.

Hopefully he learned something from this besides how to use a telephone book and what happens when businesses move or are sold to another company: it's easier to call to see if something is in stock than to drive around town chasing the elusive.

Especially when Mom has to do the driving and pay for gas.