I decided to spend the morning reading Rilla of Ingleside today. I had been reading it when, on vacation, I got sucked into the vortex of The Forsyte Saga. 900 plus pages, the first day of school, and a colonoscopy later I was reading to rejoin Rilla on Prince Edward Island.
I made myself comfortable in the bonus room and quickly became engrossed as Canada sends forces over to Europe to "join the fray" of the Great War. As Rilla's brothers, friends and love interest all join up, she takes in a war-baby to raise and starts a junior Red Cross group. Things were getting a little emotional (this started about half-way in and didn't let up until the end) when I felt a "thunk" on my book. My daughter, busy watching The Lady and The Tramp in the same room was trying to get my attention by flicking her finger on the cover of my book. She didn't want anything--just wanted to get my attention.
"Marley! Don't touch Mommy's book!"
A few minutes later...
Thunk!
"Marley! Don't ever bother someone when they are reading a book!" Now, I know that little piece of advice is NEVER going to be listened to but I decided she needed to start learning the value of reading by learning that I value it so much I don't want to be disturbed when I am doing it. (Read: I wanted her to stop bugging me so I could finish my book in peace.)
She had that look in her eye. That I-know-I'm-not-supposed-to-do-this-but-I'm-gonna look.
It was time to get serious.
"Marley. You need to listen to me. Bugging someone when they are reading a book is very bad. That person is likely to be very annoyed. It's like sticking your finger in the guinea pig's face. It's likely to get bit. You wanna get bit today? No? Good, now let Mommy read her book!"
It should be noted here that we have two guinea pigs and that one of them has bitten Marley two times.
I'm not sure if Dr. Sears would have handled it that way but I did get to finish my book.
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8 comments:
Hee hee. That's the measure of a good book - neglect of one's children is the highest rating.
I am with Bub and Pie. That is quite an endorsement for that book ... and a good lesson too :)
There are too many rabid readers in this family for her not to learn that lesson. Most of us are too nice to actually bite ... but you never know ;o)
I love the comparison you gave her.
LOL Okay, so you had better watch out. My kids have gotten old and wise enough to know that, when mom is reading, THAT is the time to ask for things I would normally say no to. Sometimes I am so involved, I slip and give them a yes.
Love the guinea pig analogy.
What Bubandpie said.
Also, Sears probably doesn't actually read real books, so his opinion here could be disregarded.
I need to teach my husband the same lesson. I'm not sure the guinea pig comparison will work with him, though. BTW, I got here via your comment on my blog, which is sticking with me. Your former Greek professor has unwittingly influenced another student :)
Hahaha, I think you handled it perfectly! She got the message!
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