We do math, together. It is a fun family pastime. In fact, it is a Family Rule*.
Geometry is our favorite. Because WE. LOVE. TRIANGLES.
Geometry can be a great family activity. You might want to try it yourself! I’ll type out some of our math problems for you so you can get the hang of it.
Exhibit A:
I.
The phone rings. It’s my mother.
Mom: Have you heard from your sister lately?
Me: Not since last week. Why?
Mom: Oh. It’s just that she seemed so angry. I was hoping you had resolved things.
Me: Gwen’s angry at me?
II.
The phone rings. Gwen picks up.
Me: Gwen! What’s going on? Mom said you were mad at me.
Gwen: She wasn’t supposed to tell you.
Me: Why are you mad at me?
Gwen: I can’t talk now. I have to call Mom.
III.
The phone rings. My mother picks up.
Gwen: Mom, what did you tell Jane?
Mom: I did not tell her about the restaurant thing.
Gwen: Mom! That was a private conversation!
Mom: You know she didn’t mean to. She can be insensitive but it’s not her fault. She inherited it from your father. You should just forgive her.
Gwen: Mom!
IV.
The phone rings. It’s my mother.
Mom: Your sister is mad at me. What did you tell her?
Me: Well, you told me she was mad at me. I just called her to find out what was going on.
Mom: I know she can be a bit dramatic but she can’t help it. It’s her artistic temperament. Just let it go.
Me: Mom!
Or maybe Exhibit B will help:
(Translation is included, gratis, for the uninitiated. Take it with a grain of salt—Seamus is actually a really good person.)
The phone rings. It’s my stepfather, Seamus.
Seamus: Hi, Jane. It’s Seamus. Your Mom’s fine. How are you?
This is not an emergency. This is a friendly chat.
Me: Hi Seamus. I’m fine. How about you?
A friendly chat is good.
Seamus: Fine, thanks.
Chatting.
Me: Great!
Chatting.
Seamus: I mowed the lawn today.
Watch how I subtly steer this conversation.
Me: Uh.
And I scratched my bum.
Seamus: And I weeded the garden.
I’ve got this.
Me: That’s nice.
Scratching.
Seamus: I picked up the mail too. And bought milk.
Because I am a good person.
Me:
You may have one gold star.
Seamus: Don’t worry about your mom. I’m taking good care of her.
Because I am a really good person.
Me: That’s great. I appreciate it.
I smell a rat.
Seamus: We haven’t heard from you in a while.
Your mother feels neglected.
Me: I called Mom last week. And you know, I told her to call me on my cell any time but she—
That’s not fair!
Seamus: You need to call your mother.
So she will stop sighing loudly.
Me: Uh, ok. I’ll do that.
Grrr.
Seamus: Actually, she’s just right outside feeding the birds. I’ll get her.
I am a hero.
Me:
Punked!
Seamus: Carol! Carol! Jane called for you!
I’ll even let Jane take the credit!
Mom: Jane! How wonderful to hear from you!
Jane! How wonderful to hear from you!
Me: Sure, Mom. How are you?
Sigh.
Gwen and I have had a lot of therapy over the years, and we are graduating from triangles to lines and rays. Conversation is a lot more efficient these days but nowhere near as fun.
Thus, Exhibit C:
I.
The phone rings. It’s my mother.
Mom: Hi Jane! Have you heard anything from your sister lately?
Me: Nope. Bye.
II.
The phone rings. It’s Gwen.
Gwen: I’m mad at you, and I don’t want to talk to you.
Me: Ok. Bye.
III.
The phone rings. My mother picks up.
Gwen: Hi Mom! Jane and I had a fight but we worked it out.
Mom: Then why are you calling me? Bye.
IV.
The phone rings. It’s my mother.
Mom: I miss you.
Me: Well, then! I’m so glad you called!
This post is part of Family Rules. For the prior post in the series, click here.
Family Rules 