Amma - Hey, suggest something for breakfast tomorrow. I am running out of ideas.
(The mother spoke 12 words with proper emotions).
Teen (on his phone) – Eh
Amma – Say something…anything…I can find the recipe.
Teen – hah
Amma – You stop pushing buttons now; on that phone too!!!
Teen – (looks up)… meh
Amma – Okay , see you at breakfast tomorrow. Good night!
Teen – Bah
Few minutes before school van arrives next morning
Teen - Ammmaaaaaa…..where is the lunch box and what’s for breakfast?
Amma – huh?
Teen – What was that? Hurry up. I have a class test today.
Amma – gee
Teen – What’s gotten into you…get me something…anything
Amma – duh
Teen – Are you okay Amma?
Amma – awww
Teen – You unwell? Should I stay back? Where is appa?
Amma – mwah & shoo…….
Never mind their sarcasm or taunts. Its just a phase . And someday's it is also okay and fun to give them back their meh's and duh's but lets help our teens connect more ,express better and take part in small and big conversations with parents - everyday .
Written by Capt. Lekshmy Natarajan (Retd), co-founder HEAL Foundation