‘I love you son. What? No! Take that back dad!'

‘I love you son. What? No! Take that back dad!'

All this American television I grew up watching has seriously led to a lot confusion with regards to social norms and what is comfortable and what is not. Allow me to expatiate. For the longest time I have never heard the words ‘I love you come from my dad’ I also never had a problem when he would miss most of the events I participated in, because I knew that whatever he was doing was more important, especially because it would result in my stomach filled with all sorts of treats upon his return.

Lets keep it there dad. Pic sourced : <www.mvwelnesscenter.com>

With this outlook in life I find myself scoffing at the drama that ensues and the sorrow or self-destruction that befalls teens on a plethora of these American television programmes. 

 I tell you, as a parent if you dare miss a day without telling your energetic tyke that you love them and then proceed to kiss them on the forehead as they leave for school in the morning. You will find yourself sitting on a psychiatrists couch 5 years later, trying to explain that you are not the devil incarnate all because you miss little Kyle’s  swimming practice sessions 8 years ago when he was in grade two.

Was it only me who thought it was good when my parent was away at work because that would mean a full stomach and new clothes on Christmas on my part? I seriously don’t get the sentiment that says your parents should come home after a long day and play hide and seek with you in a bid to avoid you turning to drugs or to a ‘star’ in adult entertainment all because ‘you were neglected as a child’.

You're grounded: Pic sourced <www.semiproper.com>

I’m tempted to add race into this, not because I want to partake in South Africa’s favourite pastime (bickering about this and that being black or white), but because I have only ever seen this on the limited contact with Caucasian kids I had back in junior primary. I tell you, growing up none of my friends or playmates had ever came to the playground or the streets, with their eyes red because they only saw their dad on the weekends-twice a month at that, no, instead having your father roaming around the living room and messing with your precious time for watching Sharky and George or Biker mice from Mars, would be the very thing that would send worry signals in your cartoon drunk brain.

I honestly think I would have fallen into a mini depression if one day my father had pulled me towards him and gave me a hearty hug preceded by the words ‘I love you son’. Good god! A smile and a nod would've been enough, dad! 

On the event I got a hiding which was pretty much at least once a week. I wouldn't have even held my breath for an apology from my Mom-admitting to me that she acted out of haste and that next time she will try sitting down and talking about the matter. What!?

At least I'm playing: Pic sourced <www.kidcriticusa.com>

Since things apparently, never disappear from the internet, this is for you future son and daughter. You’re kidding yourself in thinking that when you are naughty you will be given time-outs, grounding and your toys taken away from you. Keep dreaming my sweet nunu.You can have your toys, only you will have to play that XBOX standing up because sitting down will be mission and a half after I have torn that ass up!