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My f'ing kid

#42
Roythepainter said:
Well I've tried playing before, always ended up not getting to far because I always have some one around me when I play. So I pulled the family together and told them that I'm going to pick the bass back up and thats going to be my time and my thing. And most who have families will understand that every one has their thing. Wife does volunteering, kids do karate and softball, I'm doing the bass. I can't quit because its hard or because of snickering, what example would I be setting then?
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Sounds like it's way past time for a zillion-watt amp and an 8x10. If they come after you, pop in earplugs and give 'em a bass bath!
 
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#47
It's a kid's job to be embarrassed by everything you do, especially teenage girls. It's your job as dad to embarrass them as much as possible. Next time you take the kid out shopping wear black socks, sandals, and shorts just to make a point. And hum out bass riffs and make "bass faces" as much as you can, preferably to the kid's favorite music. Especially at stop lights with the stereo going and the windows rolled down. Good way to make the point without being mean spirited, teaches them payback can be a real pissah.

If that doesn't work, say you are going through a "funk phase" in your music learning, and wear a big pimp hat with a feather while you play, right in front of the window for all the neighborhood to see. The other parents will get what you are up to. Extra bonus if you have a crushed velvet suit for the occasion.
 
#50
I have a son. We all think it, but we don't say it. Instead, buy your child an instrument and jam with her until she is good enough to put her own garage band together with her friends, then stay out of the way. If she doesn't show interest, find out what she is interested in and support it.

Actually, children are suppose to snicker at us. It keeps us humble. True story: protracted labor, son finally arrives. After holding him, and him looking up with the expression, "So you're the one I've been hearing all along," I finally get a break after 36 straight hours to go shower. The house is dead quiet, because everyone else is still at the hospital. I turn on the TV for noise. Saturday. Cartoons. Warner Bros. Sylvester the Cat in the episode "showing" his son how to fish, in the NYC Aquarium. The first thing I hear is Sylvester Jr. saying the classic line, "Oh, Father, I'm so embarrassed." It reminded me to not ever try to show out for my son. If he wants something demonstrated, in whatever context, I'll do my best. And if it fouls up, we laugh together.

When she snickers, laugh with her.
 
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#52
Mine must be younger- he's at the point where everything I do is awesome, regardless of what it actually is. Now that I think about it, I hope he stays that way a bit longer.

Practice in the bedroom without an audience if it's really bugging you. I end up kicking my son out of the study when I practice- i can't concentrate when he keeps playing all the other instruments in there. My only audience is my dog, and he usually just walks out of the room to sleep in the hallway.
 
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#53
When our son was about 10, he was very good at the eyeroll and a very disdainful "Smoooooth, Daaaaad." He repeatedly told me my sense of humor was lame. That continued through high school. I always told him it was genetic, and he objected. Now that he's an adult, he is OK with having an odd sense of humor. He doesn't think it is lame and is OK with it being genetic. When he was little, he would climb all over me while I tried to do just about anything except pay attention to him. At the time, it was distracting, but it's just what you put up with when you have a kid who thinks you are some kind of gym equipment.

So, cherish her insults and sarcasm. It's what kids do. I suppose at some point, it's all part of making sure they get pushed out of the nest because you don't want to put up with their nonsense any more. It's also going to be a source of amusement for everyone later on.
 
#54
Gaolee said:
When our son was about 10, he was very good at the eyeroll and a very disdainful "Smoooooth, Daaaaad." He repeatedly told me my sense of humor was lame. That continued through high school. I always told him it was genetic, and he objected. Now that he's an adult, he is OK with having an odd sense of humor. He doesn't think it is lame and is OK with it being genetic. When he was little, he would climb all over me while I tried to do just about anything except pay attention to him. At the time, it was distracting, but it's just what you put up with when you have a kid who thinks you are some kind of gym equipment.

So, cherish her insults and sarcasm. It's what kids do. I suppose at some point, it's all part of making sure they get pushed out of the nest because you don't want to put up with their nonsense any more. It's also going to be a source of amusement for everyone later on.
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When I was a kid, my dad was mean, wrong, and dumb.

When I got older, I wanted to be more like him.

After he passed away, I just missed him.
 
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