This is why I’m positive she’ll be a criminal defense attorney someday
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My oldest kid is 11 and her part-time job is perfecting her courtroom technique.
Her current courtroom drama is centered around procuring a TV — with cable — in her room. I present Exhibit 1A; click to enlarge.
In the left-hand column she has listed eight reasons why she should not have a TV in her room. In the right-hand column she has listed eight problem solvers/fun facts.
Here are a few of the issues she’s identified and their proposed solutions. The problem is in bold, the solution is in italics.
I would be less likely to clean my room.
I HATE having a messy room,* and it irks me so my room is usually clean anyways.
It would make me lazier.
I’d agree to do dishes once a week in exchange for a TV.
I wouldn’t have any time spent with family.
If you knock I might let a parental figure watch with me.
Fun facts
While Katie did present a compelling argument, Judge Cardiogirl denied the motion then punctuated it by slamming her gavel on the desk.
Case closed; better luck next time, Counselor.
*Once I buy some more Digital Camera Batteries I’ll be able to document her messy room with photographic proof. And since digital cameras automatically date the photo I’m sure to win this case time and time again.
You only *think* it’s over. I have a feeling she won’t let it go and will keep appealing her case. She may take it all the way to the Supreme Court.
Nicky recently posted..Foiled Again
good argument. ask her if she’s willing to use her money to buy the tv?
i love that she hates a messy room though, that’s a girl after my own heart. okay get her a 50 inch flat screen tv and mount it on the wall. do not plug it in the electrical outlet or hook the cable to it. she said she wanted a tv in her room. bam! there ya go.
you made the right call judge or at least i cosign, uh concur.
TV or no TV? That is the question. And reason #621 why it’s a good thing I don’t have kids. I’d give her a copy of War and Peace, send her to her room, and tell her not to come out until she finishes it or turns 18, whichever comes first.
I’m better off with a cat.
June O’Hara recently posted..Ripping Marriages Apart One Game At A Time
Very good argument, and she has nice handwriting.
I remember my first TV, I was 14 and got a 19″ for Christmas. It was so sweet.
But you could really take this one out for a spin. Set really high goals like making straight A’s for the rest of the school year.
Wait, she’s 11? She’s middle school age? Oh, CG. Enjoy these last few hormone free days you have left.
Would you reconsider on appeal?
The intelligence and maturity she’s showing in even using this approach, and how well crafted her execution was deserves some recognition.
If I were god… recently posted..First Blogiversary! (feel free to send cash)
Okay, seriously, how can you argue with that? I can’t believe you shut her down. I totally would have given in. I loved her “Fun Facts” at the end.
meleah rebeccah recently posted..Gramma Ev and Cooking
She does make a good case for herself, but in the end the judge rules. Next she’ll be asking for a jury.
Linda recently posted..Quote of the Week
If I was ON the Jury – Katie would SO be getting that TV in her bedroom!
meleah rebeccah recently posted..Gramma Ev and Cooking
Great marks for trying! I can’t say much on this subject as I don’t have kids. I doubt I would let my kids have a TV in their bedroom though. I’ve seen some of the stuff they think is actually suitable for kids! Maybe it’s a generation thing though ;)
Babs (beetle) recently posted..Pull ‘em up! We don’t want to see your knickers!
My 14-yr-old is still working on me. I’m more likely to give one to your daughter after that beautiful argument. She’ll make a great lawyer!
Blog Rehab recently posted..Join a Literary Flash Mob to Write a Novel in November
Hola CG,
I think you’re being a bit unfair on this one. I mean if you knock she may allow you to come and watch with her. Not to mention she’s agreed to watch only after homework is done and she will agree to forfeit all television privileges if her grades slip. Katie is compromising…where’s her inch so she can take a mile.
Faith recently posted..Monday Ranting: I Can’t Explain My Fascination
She’s awesome!
I got a TV for Evan’s room because 1) I got tired of him hooking the Wii up to my TV. B) Because he gets on my effing nerves with his teenage (AKA 39 YO Angelika) attitude.
You might like your kids, though…
Wait till she’s 13. Bet she gets a TV then! ;-)
Angelika recently posted..I need a boob to butt sling!
Love it! It’s nice of her to consider allowing you to watch with her.
Boy, you do have to love her tenacity. I agree with you though– I am a no TV in kids room person!
Michelle recently posted..Our Fall weekend craziness!
No tv after those compelling arguments? Aw. She had me at “If you knock I might let a parental figure watch with me.” Adorable. The last time I watched tv with my son was four years ago. I miss those days!
Love the Fun Facts! I would have so given in to her logic. Props to you for holding out.
Jen recently posted..Things to do for Halloween in Minneapolis and St. Paul
LOL.. I love how TVs bring families together, but you would have to knock on her door to watch it with her (maybe) while she is by herself in her room watching it. heehee.. I agree with your ruling!