PS4 GAMING CONSOLE
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Years ago the repetitive cry was ‘Nintendo’, then ‘PS3.’ Now I’m being driven demented by “Can I get a PS4?” When will it stop or will they ever grow out it? In another few years will it be “Can I get a car?”
The fourteen year-old (aka bigger brother) did good work recently by painting windows, fences and earning much needed pocket money. Unknown to me, his eyes were fixed firmly on one goal. In cahoots with his younger brother, they apparently plan to pool earnings, savings and any miscellaneous spare change they find to a PS4 fund.
Under the circumstances, you’d think he’d be eager for any paid work? I still have painting jobs to do but no, with only a few weeks left of summer holidays, this young teen treasures free time to do absolutely nothing. “Mom, I’ll be back at school soon,” he argues. “I’ll have no time to play PlayStation and you’ll be nagging me to do homework. Let me enjoy my last bit of freedom.” Huh! It’s not as if we’re shoving him off to prison to join a chain gang, although the idea is tempting when I look at our flaky walls. Me as Tough Warden barking orders while my shackled kids get on with the task? Dream on!
Maybe it’s blind belief that they’ll reach their target after Junior’s upcoming birthday that’s momentarily stopped this enterprising spirit. Or does he think he’ll break MY spirit by persistently whining “Can I get a PS4? Other friends’ parents have bought them for their kids and you’re making me buy my own!” Nice try, kiddo, but your guilt trip isn’t going to work on me. All I have to do is start “When I was your age, I had to do LOADS of jobs free gratis for my mother…” That invariably sends the kids scattering.
Over time, I’ve learnt to turn a deaf ear to the “Can I have” rant. However, my sleepyhead teenagers lolling in bed half the day are driving me nuts. I mean, when I was their age, I was either turfed out early to help on the farm or got a summer job in the local town. They justify this lethargy it with the “We’ll be back to school soon” mantra. Maybe life’s too short? If you can’t beat them, join them. Like the PS4, the walls can wait. I’ll chill out too and enjoy my remaining freedom before this back-to-school madness begins!
Maeve O’Keeffe, the Frazzled Mammy! ©Maeve O’Keeffe 2014
Maeve O’Keeffe is a Cartoonist, Illustrator and Journalist in Cork, Ireland
Contact blog www.frazzledmammy.com or e-mail [email protected] or tweet@frazzled_mammy