Talk to Your Kids

I've noticed an increase lately of anti-drug spots on TV, particularly variations on the theme "don't waste an opportunity to talk to your kids about drugs". While I applaud the general theme, and heartily believe that education is the key to battling this problem, I feel I must speak up for tired parents everywhere.

We all could use a gentle reminder now and then, but I'm offended at the tone of these commercials. One spot shows a "Mom" cheerfully gabbing on the telephone while the kid sits sullenly, apparently resentful that he's missing out on a lecture.

First of all, who writes this stuff? No normal kid sits quietly while his Mom talks on the phone. In the real world, that kid would be turning up the volume on the stereo, and drumming on the table with old muddy tennis shoes. Or drinking milk right out of the container - to within a half-inch of the bottom, then absently placing it back in the fridge.

Second, they cast this poor Mom as a vacuous if not negligent parent. Just because she's talking on the phone! It's not bad enough that we feel guilty that we can't carve a pumpkin like Martha Stewart, or cook elaborate dinners from scratch every night and buy whole grain from the health food store. Now we can't even take a few minutes to talk to a friend? We have to give our kids that last sliver of time we have for ourselves? She's IN the kitchen for Pete's sake! WITH her son (she KNOWS where he is!) He's got a haircut. And he's wearing fairly appropriate clothing. Give the poor woman a break!

Another spot shows a father eating breakfast silently with the teen. Again, missing the "lecture" opportunity. Hello? He's EATING with his kid. He's UP, and THERE, and available. Every kid should be so lucky.

Are they suggesting that parents must always have an agenda? Should they, at every opportunity, be on the lookout to push a point? Frankly, I'm usually too busy trying to remember that I'm not supposed to holler. I'm busy folding their clothes, combing their hair, making out checks for the book club, picking Legos out of my tender feet, toting them to the library, and volunteering in the classroom. But, get this folks: I've been known to occasionally talk on the telephone! So, cart me away.

I understand their point, but they're missing the obvious "vehicle". Everybody knows that it's better to talk to your kids about drugs while in the car. They can't get away, and you get to turn off their music.