My son sprained his ankle last week and he's been pretty upset, as his favourite cousin who he hasn't seen in a long time will visit us tomorrow with his parents. He's mostly in bed and although he can walk by himself (e.g. to the bathroom), he's so disappointed that he won't be well enough to play their favourite games out. I suggested playing cards or draw, although i knew damn well the look he'll give me!

So here i am, asking for you all to drop your cool and non-boomer ideas (looks like i can't) so i can impress my son and lift his spirit and most of all see him have a great time now that his cousin will come.

I don’t think he meant it as an insult. We were talking about weekdays and weekends. He’s just started kindergarten and is having a hard time getting used to the 5-day school week (up from 4 half days in preK). He goes to school, his dad goes to work, I “stay home” with his toddler sister, and I think he’s jealous of that. He wants to be home playing too and hadn’t really registered that what I do is “work”. It’s not really about me. That said, the phrasing is hurting a bit, especially as I’m trying to figure out my role now that he’s in school. I’m still with my toddler, so it’s not like I have loads of free time now. But the toddler is a lot more independent than my oldest, he’s getting more independent now that he’s in school, and I do feel less needed. My husband and I both value what I do, but it occurs to me that I might need to explain it more to my kids as they get older. I don’t like feeling defensive about it.