Those posters here that predicted that Shannon would feel unwanted, or like…., what was the word? “Trash?” Well it looks like you called it. Kudos.
But, Is Shannon truly “sad,” or has she taken a page from her dad’s playbook and learned how to manipulate family? Because if it’s the latter, it shows that she’s growing up, but in a rather sophisticated disturbing direction. She has learned (or about to learn) that she no longer needs to yell and pout and hold her breath until she turns blue to get what she wants. Just give her aunt a sad eyed surrender, hang her head and walk dejectedly out of the room. “Okay Shannon, you can paint your room the whatever way YOU want!”
But truth is, I like this Shannon. This “Shannon” is vunerable and acts like a kid and not a stormstrooper. And so help Me, I actually felt……., (God, I DON’T believe this) Sorry for her for her today.
Paint the room the way the kid wants. And Toni? Stay out of it and let Bard handle her.
Shannon fears being cast aside — as many have suggested — by the only ones who have previously cared enough to rely on. She is afraid. Toni is right but Shannon’s wounds are deep. Being right isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
(I’m usually right but it just creates resentment.)
Shannon has mastered the art of manipulation and irresponsibility taught by her father.
That said, if she is willing to maintain the room, not only for Hensel but for other potential guests, they should allow her a say how the room will be decorated with limitations. The colors should be neutral that if Shannon does not fulfill her part – no further “Shannon choices” would need to be implemented.
I do not believe this is Shannon’s epiphany, that she has seen the light. I’d rather suspect that she is a young Ann Eiffel getting acting tips from daddy dearest.
Damn, Shannon. You just hit me right in the feels. Some may suspect ulterior motives on her part, and they may be proven right, but for now that kid just scored some major points in my book. This arc just redeemed itself.
You’re a meanie, Toni. And to talk about her where she could hear you? There are some parenting skills you still need to learn, I think you can learn from Brad. Here’s the tip – talk privately and in low voices in your bedroom with the door closed and inform Shannon after you’ve decided. I think Brad understands she needs a place when she’s with them and he knows his parents don’t much care about what they do with the house – do they even know they changed the layout to make a new bedroom? Toni, you’ve made a major change in the layout and you’re worried about the paint colors? That’s easily rehabilitated with a new coat of paint. Give Shannon her room. I have a room in my house for my grandson decorated with dinosaurs and sharks – his two favorites – for his overnight visits and to play in. The rest of my house stays neat and orderly.
Shannon is not stupid. I believe she senses that what she wanted was causing a little rift between probably the only two people that really care for her and give her some stability in her life. She has demonstrated in the past that she can be a loving child, like when she went shopping with Brad for Valentine’s Day cards. Brad asked what she would do with the extra cards in the box, and she hugged him while saying that she’d give them all to him. She knows they give her something she doesn’t get anywhere else, and she doesn’t want to mess that up. To steal from Star Trek – she’s “shields down and running on impulse power”.
Perhaps we should see what she does over the next few days before she is condemned as being a con person, con man, whatever. I blame how she acts on her upbringing – mom ran off, dad dumps her whenever he can, now Toni speaks out about her while she is in earshot. Where else can she go?
I called Toni a meanie…but the real meanies are you the readers. Shannon is only 6 years old and is still naive. Her dad is only a sperm donor who got stuck with her when her mom skipped out on the family. Shannon is not a priority with him. How could she learn things from her dad when he is hardly ever around? He is barely in her life. The only stability and love she gets are with Aunt Toni and Uncle Brad. She is wounded when she heard Toni saying she didn’t want Shannon to have her own room. She is feeling she doesn’t belong anywhere. You ought be ashamed for assuming she is conning her aunt and uncle.
I am old school and wondering why a child is listening to an adult discussion. Toni has brought out very valid points. In reality not being able to decorate your room when you are that young (or any age) shouldn’t be soul-crushing. They were making the room so that Shannon would have a private place to sleep and Brad could sleep in his bed during her visits.
We had a three bedroom house and I had 4 sisters. Sometimes a half-brother would stay with us for long periods of time and get one of the bedrooms to himself. I was grateful to have a bit of privacy in a cot, in a sequestered corner of a dining room. Shannon needs to learn to be grateful for the effort and cost put into the gift of a room. Common sense is going to die again.
Toni! It’s a learning opportunity for Shannon. Why not do it together, get her input, but guide her through the process. You’ll both get a lot from that experience, together.
Jonah is running their lives alright. Wonder if that’s how it was fot Tiff at one point. I also wonder if they found Shannon’s button. We know she has no live with dad.
I fail to understand the loathing many posters here have for this child. Yes, she’s not a Miss Goody Two-Shoes, but exactly which child is? I quite like the way she has been depicted, with all the normal tantrums, short attention spans, sweetness and impulsiveness of typical six-year-olds. She sees Brad and Toni as her family, given her Dad isn’t around for her much of the time. Between themselves, Toni and Brad handle her quite well most times. She’s smart enough to understand Toni’s words, and is hurt. Hope G+K have good things planned for her future!
Honestly, what kid knows the meaning of the word “puce”?
A simple answer is available- “No, not puce.”Then offer a listing of other colors— a palette . Ask her to choose up to 5. Just be sure the colors are acceptable to the adults.This way, Shannon won’t feel left out of the process. Then ask her what she might like on her dresser, bedspread color, bric-a-brac.
Thankfully, she’s not asking for a tablet or phone!
A lot of interesting comments going in opposite directions. Is Shannon the player or the playee? It would not surprise me that the Saturday strip is a filler and come Monday we are back to Les and Gunther or Tiffany or some other story arc, thus leaving this one up in the air for a while to keep the posters in suspense.
Shannon also had a hearthy helping of reality sandwich. No matter how much everyone would like to, Shannon ISN’T theirs! Also, I agree with the persons that say the situation should be made as clear as possible to Shannon. As for Jonah “Another fine mess you’ve gotten me into!”
This is a no-brainer. Toni and Brad select a handful of colors that they find acceptable and let Shannon choose from those samples. Pick out 2 styles of furniture….let Shannon make the final decision. And of course, let her have as many dolls and stuffed animals and pillows in the room to make it officially “hers”. She will feel that she “decorated” and the room will be very pretty. Not “puce-y” (puke-y).
Toni; in all reality, it’s probably six of one, half dozen of another. Get used to it. When you and Brad finally your own kids, you’ll most likely have this feeling over, and, over, again.
Toni is the adult in this instance. As such, she’s suffering the pangs of remorse all parents feel when, of necessity, they deny a child’s grandiose wishes.
I’ll wager Toni will have a heart-to-heart with Shannon tomorrow and offer to let her participate, not dictate in her room decoration. We’ll see.
I made the mistake of peeking in on ArcaMax last night before I went to bed, and this morning I notice the same trend here; namely, that either Shannon is conning them, or that she is a sad, feeling unloved little kid. It is so interesting that people want to characterize this brat" (a term I hate for kids, because that is an adult dismissive and clueless term for a kid who does not act the way the adult thinks the kid should act. I will agree with bratty behavior, but someone who is in Shannon’s age group does not have the mental ability to truly be a brat. Being a brat means you understand that the world MUST go your way, even though you are clearly old enough to realize that it doesn’t. You don’t give a ff)). Shannon is bratty I agree, but people are not looking at how Greg has brilliantly (I know I will get whacked on this compliment, but I don’t care, I pass it them out if warranted) has had Toni summarize Shannon’s situation, and have Shannon overhear it, and tell Brad and Toni to paint the room the way she wants. Some thinks that Brad’s feeling sorry is just part of the con, but the point is IT DOES NOT MATTER. If she is conning, then that is evidence of the problem, not the problem. All I ask, since there is so much PROJECTION, is this comment blog, is that those commentors put themselves in her shoes at that age. How would you have reacted?
This strip is one of, if not the first, where Shannon is shown to become aware of the emotional turmoil of others and subdue her own desires for peace and harmony of her loved caretakers. She’s taking other’s feelings into account. Perhaps Greg is signaling that Toni has taken on a mother figure for Shannon.
Is the “brat” leaving the strip and a new Shannon appearing?
Today is the SECOND time I’ve felt sorry for Shannon. Remember the “Fuse Follies,” about three years ago when Shannon’s (Gag) “dad” Jonah, almost didn’t show and the kid started crying? Tiffany came to the rescue, applied makeup to Shann and cheered her up. Tiff acknowledged that she and Shann have a lot in common when it comes playing a minor role in their parent’s lives. I’d like to see these two interact again, maybe at ”Kidz First,” next time.
The “problem” with Shannon, is Jonah. It amazes Me that there are people who “defend” him……,
I guess our cartoonist has touched a nerve that I would not have forecast. Misopedist describes people who dislike children, but there is no particular word for “I don’t care about Shannon.”
DO NOT ANSWER, BRAD!! It’s a trap! Next time, the question might even be more critical, like “does this make my butt look big” or something like that. TREAD CAREFULLY.
I give today a higher “number” ranking, not because I am happy with the events today… but because I am surprised by them in a way that is interesting both in the comic itself and in the comments:
From my perspective, I believe that Shannon is legitimately sad and feels bad after hearing Toni’s comments. Shannon’s response is, I believe, very natural for a kid and for adults too after hearing the dialogue. That Shannon responded as she did shows, IMO, that she is more “caring”, “sensitive” and “aware” than she is often portrayed by Greg.
I think that Toni was wrong in this case on several fronts…. 1) I think Toni should have known and realized that her discussion topic and what she wanted to say should be said out of earshot of Shannon. That Toni had the discussion she did out in the open suggests to me that Toni is either emotionally naive about how words can hurt (I doubt this), or that she is not a particularly caring person. To me, Toni’s “Ok, Am I really bad, or is she really good?” rings as rather snarky and mean-spirited too. I had not thought that was part of Toni’s demeanor.
I think this week’s worth of panels has put Brad in an even BETTER light than usual… HE is the one who is showing care, concern, and thoughtfulness about this situation.
* * * *
Hell, this is all about paint colors in a room that was designed specifically for Shannon. The opening salvo by Toni today of “Shannon isn’t ours, and neither is this house.” is, IMO nonsensical hyperbole… Brad and Toni remodeled the house for Shannon…. now to spout off “she isn’t ours and neither is this house” is a mean, foolish thing to say this late in the game…. perhaps before the remodel, behind closed doors, this would have been legitimate… but now? It seems to me, inappropriate.
I say, paint the room as Shannon would like, let her have a “space”. Two gallons of paint and an afternoon can change it to a more normal hue anytime later.
I can’t believe all of you have missed the real mystery and important question to answer; What does it say about Toni that the day after ripping Puce she is wearing it? What is the hidden message here, now that is a real dilemma!
It’s not bad to let a kid have some input. You just have to moderate their choices or present them with acceptable options to choose from. Like if she wants puce, do it as an accent wall or trim color. Or take her to the paint store and show her color swatches.
You know, at first blush this morning getting ready for work, I thought that Shannon was playing the manipulating card as well today. FYI, my former spouse and some of my ex in-laws (and I do emphasize the EX) had kids who were master manipulators, if not at or near Shannon’s age. On the way to work, I thought more about today’s strip.
I agree with Luann1212. Shannon does act out, but she has feelings as well. Overhearing all that hit a – if not THE – note with her. Kids do crave for structure (I did), and it usually does a world of good for them. When they DON’T have it is when you can expect all the bad behavior.
I am hoping a creative answer later resolves this one. Who knows?…
Toni does have a point that it’s not really their house. You usually have to get permission to make changes. Usually though, for painting, they’ll let you paint it anyway you want. If your landlord decided they wanted to sell the property and you weren’t going to buy it, then they would just whitewash the walls before putting it on the market.
How about Toni and Shannon compromise on how the room should be done? A little what one wants and a little what the other wants. This way they both win. Yes the child needs some structure, but no reason no to let her be herself as well.
Wrong timing with Shannon in hearing distance. That’s a very embarrassing moment. The best thing to do for Toni is go see Shannon and offer to work out the decoration of the room together.
There is an answer here Toni. Time to teach Shannon about compromise. You give her some control by offering a few choices, not the whole shebang. These choices are ones you can live with too. And show some excitement with her ideas and cooperation.
All Brad needs to do is take Toni to Abracapasta. There’s a magician there that does this act with a pinata, he’ll really change Toni’s mind about this! They may even end up painting clouds on Shannon’s wall.
I didn’t realize the house wasn’t theirs. So Toni is being rational. But with kids, rationality needs to be tempered with flexibility. Don’t take the choice completely out of her hands. Picks some acceptable options and allow her to choose from them.
If you’re there with her when she tells you what she wants, how in the world is that not structured? You can be there to help guide her and be realistic about her desires. Didn’t think Toni had “controlling” like tendencies. She needs to work on that cause you’re making your sweet niece feel bad b/c she’ll think her choices aren’t good enough. Meanwhile, Brad will be forced to be in the middle and will try to avoid trouble with the wife.
Arguing about Shannon who is 6 and within earshot of hurtful comments is not good. Instead of turning back around to face Brad, Aunt Toni could have nipped this in the bud (a bit) by placing her arm around Shannon’s shoulders and drawing her into a group discussion of how to decorate the room….. but she didn’t.
How about a compromise? Toni gets to decorate most of the room, but Shannon can have one wall where she can whatever she wants. And I DID feel sorry for Shannon. She’s just a little kid, after all.
An unexpected development. Shannon, downcast more than ever before, shows some concern for other people. I think the mention of her mostly-absent father got to her….
Time to bring down the curtain on the would-be actor’s accident, go out the door, avoid Gunther and Leslie’s battle headquarters, and head directly to Bernice’s dorm where Piro has returned for a second kiss.
Toni is going to be a nice emotionally abusive parent. You never say to a six year old who does not have good boundaries with her only parent, whose only parent is absent from their and to whom you have become a caregiver “you are not mine.” That does not make the money feel safe and it it is going to undermine any effort Toni makes to discipline her in the future .
Templo S.U.D. over 5 years ago
How heartbreaking on both girls’ parts.
Airman over 5 years ago
Yeah, a good con artist.
Mordock999 Premium Member over 5 years ago
Those posters here that predicted that Shannon would feel unwanted, or like…., what was the word? “Trash?” Well it looks like you called it. Kudos.
But, Is Shannon truly “sad,” or has she taken a page from her dad’s playbook and learned how to manipulate family? Because if it’s the latter, it shows that she’s growing up, but in a rather sophisticated disturbing direction. She has learned (or about to learn) that she no longer needs to yell and pout and hold her breath until she turns blue to get what she wants. Just give her aunt a sad eyed surrender, hang her head and walk dejectedly out of the room. “Okay Shannon, you can paint your room the whatever way YOU want!”
But truth is, I like this Shannon. This “Shannon” is vunerable and acts like a kid and not a stormstrooper. And so help Me, I actually felt……., (God, I DON’T believe this) Sorry for her for her today.
Paint the room the way the kid wants. And Toni? Stay out of it and let Bard handle her.
David Huie Green LosersBlameOthers&It'sYOURfault over 5 years ago
Shannon fears being cast aside — as many have suggested — by the only ones who have previously cared enough to rely on. She is afraid. Toni is right but Shannon’s wounds are deep. Being right isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
(I’m usually right but it just creates resentment.)
Busrayne over 5 years ago
What if Brad, Toni and Shannon become a family, and Jonah shows up after actually having some success to reclaim his daughter?
Dreamdeer over 5 years ago
Then he learns that fame and fortune do not buy the hearts of children.
B UTTONS over 5 years ago
Shannon has mastered the art of manipulation and irresponsibility taught by her father.
That said, if she is willing to maintain the room, not only for Hensel but for other potential guests, they should allow her a say how the room will be decorated with limitations. The colors should be neutral that if Shannon does not fulfill her part – no further “Shannon choices” would need to be implemented.
Airman over 5 years ago
I do not believe this is Shannon’s epiphany, that she has seen the light. I’d rather suspect that she is a young Ann Eiffel getting acting tips from daddy dearest.
BJShipley1 over 5 years ago
Damn, Shannon. You just hit me right in the feels. Some may suspect ulterior motives on her part, and they may be proven right, but for now that kid just scored some major points in my book. This arc just redeemed itself.
fullmoondeb Premium Member over 5 years ago
That wall color behind them sure does look like puce, no?
GirlGeek Premium Member over 5 years ago
She’s heartbroken at best
capricorn9th over 5 years ago
You’re a meanie, Toni. And to talk about her where she could hear you? There are some parenting skills you still need to learn, I think you can learn from Brad. Here’s the tip – talk privately and in low voices in your bedroom with the door closed and inform Shannon after you’ve decided. I think Brad understands she needs a place when she’s with them and he knows his parents don’t much care about what they do with the house – do they even know they changed the layout to make a new bedroom? Toni, you’ve made a major change in the layout and you’re worried about the paint colors? That’s easily rehabilitated with a new coat of paint. Give Shannon her room. I have a room in my house for my grandson decorated with dinosaurs and sharks – his two favorites – for his overnight visits and to play in. The rest of my house stays neat and orderly.
Brdshtt Premium Member over 5 years ago
Shannon is not stupid. I believe she senses that what she wanted was causing a little rift between probably the only two people that really care for her and give her some stability in her life. She has demonstrated in the past that she can be a loving child, like when she went shopping with Brad for Valentine’s Day cards. Brad asked what she would do with the extra cards in the box, and she hugged him while saying that she’d give them all to him. She knows they give her something she doesn’t get anywhere else, and she doesn’t want to mess that up. To steal from Star Trek – she’s “shields down and running on impulse power”.
Perhaps we should see what she does over the next few days before she is condemned as being a con person, con man, whatever. I blame how she acts on her upbringing – mom ran off, dad dumps her whenever he can, now Toni speaks out about her while she is in earshot. Where else can she go?
Joe1962 Premium Member over 5 years ago
Shannon has run a great con job on Toni!!!
capricorn9th over 5 years ago
I called Toni a meanie…but the real meanies are you the readers. Shannon is only 6 years old and is still naive. Her dad is only a sperm donor who got stuck with her when her mom skipped out on the family. Shannon is not a priority with him. How could she learn things from her dad when he is hardly ever around? He is barely in her life. The only stability and love she gets are with Aunt Toni and Uncle Brad. She is wounded when she heard Toni saying she didn’t want Shannon to have her own room. She is feeling she doesn’t belong anywhere. You ought be ashamed for assuming she is conning her aunt and uncle.
dadoctah over 5 years ago
Toni is a finely-tuned instrument. And Shannon is a virtuoso at playing her.
Fiammata over 5 years ago
Hehehe…
Ruth Brown over 5 years ago
I am old school and wondering why a child is listening to an adult discussion. Toni has brought out very valid points. In reality not being able to decorate your room when you are that young (or any age) shouldn’t be soul-crushing. They were making the room so that Shannon would have a private place to sleep and Brad could sleep in his bed during her visits.
We had a three bedroom house and I had 4 sisters. Sometimes a half-brother would stay with us for long periods of time and get one of the bedrooms to himself. I was grateful to have a bit of privacy in a cot, in a sequestered corner of a dining room. Shannon needs to learn to be grateful for the effort and cost put into the gift of a room. Common sense is going to die again.
Jimmy90403 over 5 years ago
Toni! It’s a learning opportunity for Shannon. Why not do it together, get her input, but guide her through the process. You’ll both get a lot from that experience, together.
31768 over 5 years ago
Jonah is running their lives alright. Wonder if that’s how it was fot Tiff at one point. I also wonder if they found Shannon’s button. We know she has no live with dad.
31768 over 5 years ago
We may have gotten to the “AWWWW” moment in panel three. She has Bwad but Aunt Toni, not so much. Toni’s bent on teaching Jonah his lesson.
Troglodyte over 5 years ago
I fail to understand the loathing many posters here have for this child. Yes, she’s not a Miss Goody Two-Shoes, but exactly which child is? I quite like the way she has been depicted, with all the normal tantrums, short attention spans, sweetness and impulsiveness of typical six-year-olds. She sees Brad and Toni as her family, given her Dad isn’t around for her much of the time. Between themselves, Toni and Brad handle her quite well most times. She’s smart enough to understand Toni’s words, and is hurt. Hope G+K have good things planned for her future!
eujeste over 5 years ago
Honestly, what kid knows the meaning of the word “puce”?
A simple answer is available- “No, not puce.”Then offer a listing of other colors— a palette . Ask her to choose up to 5. Just be sure the colors are acceptable to the adults.This way, Shannon won’t feel left out of the process. Then ask her what she might like on her dresser, bedspread color, bric-a-brac.
Thankfully, she’s not asking for a tablet or phone!
RabbitHole over 5 years ago
A lot of interesting comments going in opposite directions. Is Shannon the player or the playee? It would not surprise me that the Saturday strip is a filler and come Monday we are back to Les and Gunther or Tiffany or some other story arc, thus leaving this one up in the air for a while to keep the posters in suspense.
WoodstockJack over 5 years ago
Wait. I thought Bwad and Toni bought the house from Bwad’s Dad.
How is “Shannnon isn’t ours, Brad. Neither is this house [ours] …” a true statement?
sueb1863 over 5 years ago
Hmm, I suspect Shannon is simply playing the “If I make them feel sorry for me, they’ll give me whatever I want” page from her playbook.
asrialfeeple over 5 years ago
Shannon also had a hearthy helping of reality sandwich. No matter how much everyone would like to, Shannon ISN’T theirs! Also, I agree with the persons that say the situation should be made as clear as possible to Shannon. As for Jonah “Another fine mess you’ve gotten me into!”
dlkrueger33 over 5 years ago
This is a no-brainer. Toni and Brad select a handful of colors that they find acceptable and let Shannon choose from those samples. Pick out 2 styles of furniture….let Shannon make the final decision. And of course, let her have as many dolls and stuffed animals and pillows in the room to make it officially “hers”. She will feel that she “decorated” and the room will be very pretty. Not “puce-y” (puke-y).
WilliamVollmer over 5 years ago
Toni; in all reality, it’s probably six of one, half dozen of another. Get used to it. When you and Brad finally your own kids, you’ll most likely have this feeling over, and, over, again.
well-i-never over 5 years ago
Why don’t we wait and see?
Major Matt Mason Premium Member over 5 years ago
Yes.
Wizard of Ahz-no relation over 5 years ago
look at the dejected slump in the last pic. she wants a HOME and jonah ain’t giving it to her.
Tyge Premium Member over 5 years ago
Toni is the adult in this instance. As such, she’s suffering the pangs of remorse all parents feel when, of necessity, they deny a child’s grandiose wishes.
I’ll wager Toni will have a heart-to-heart with Shannon tomorrow and offer to let her participate, not dictate in her room decoration. We’ll see.
Steve Dallas over 5 years ago
I guess it would be too simple to compromise: Paint the room a neutral color and let her put up whatever posters she wants.
luann1212 over 5 years ago
I made the mistake of peeking in on ArcaMax last night before I went to bed, and this morning I notice the same trend here; namely, that either Shannon is conning them, or that she is a sad, feeling unloved little kid. It is so interesting that people want to characterize this brat" (a term I hate for kids, because that is an adult dismissive and clueless term for a kid who does not act the way the adult thinks the kid should act. I will agree with bratty behavior, but someone who is in Shannon’s age group does not have the mental ability to truly be a brat. Being a brat means you understand that the world MUST go your way, even though you are clearly old enough to realize that it doesn’t. You don’t give a ff)). Shannon is bratty I agree, but people are not looking at how Greg has brilliantly (I know I will get whacked on this compliment, but I don’t care, I pass it them out if warranted) has had Toni summarize Shannon’s situation, and have Shannon overhear it, and tell Brad and Toni to paint the room the way she wants. Some thinks that Brad’s feeling sorry is just part of the con, but the point is IT DOES NOT MATTER. If she is conning, then that is evidence of the problem, not the problem. All I ask, since there is so much PROJECTION, is this comment blog, is that those commentors put themselves in her shoes at that age. How would you have reacted?
Tyge Premium Member over 5 years ago
This strip is one of, if not the first, where Shannon is shown to become aware of the emotional turmoil of others and subdue her own desires for peace and harmony of her loved caretakers. She’s taking other’s feelings into account. Perhaps Greg is signaling that Toni has taken on a mother figure for Shannon.
Is the “brat” leaving the strip and a new Shannon appearing?
6foot6 over 5 years ago
I think tony is expressing her deep underlining abandonment issues. she doesn’t want anyone to get to comfortible for fear everything will leave.
David Huie Green LosersBlameOthers&It'sYOURfault over 5 years ago
Just out of meanness I ask:
Can I get a BWAD?
Mordock999 Premium Member over 5 years ago
Correction:
Today is the SECOND time I’ve felt sorry for Shannon. Remember the “Fuse Follies,” about three years ago when Shannon’s (Gag) “dad” Jonah, almost didn’t show and the kid started crying? Tiffany came to the rescue, applied makeup to Shann and cheered her up. Tiff acknowledged that she and Shann have a lot in common when it comes playing a minor role in their parent’s lives. I’d like to see these two interact again, maybe at ”Kidz First,” next time.
The “problem” with Shannon, is Jonah. It amazes Me that there are people who “defend” him……,
rickmac1937 Premium Member over 5 years ago
OK enough of this brat
mountainclimber over 5 years ago
I guess our cartoonist has touched a nerve that I would not have forecast. Misopedist describes people who dislike children, but there is no particular word for “I don’t care about Shannon.”
kunddog over 5 years ago
sounds like brad and shannon need to have the talk now about raising their own children. Brad starting to sound like an enabler
Lord Hearteater over 5 years ago
DO NOT ANSWER, BRAD!! It’s a trap! Next time, the question might even be more critical, like “does this make my butt look big” or something like that. TREAD CAREFULLY.
squireobrien over 5 years ago
It’s not who decorates. It’s whether she’s supervised or not. She could decorate in her colors without painting the walls.
Pipe Tobacco Premium Member over 5 years ago
7
I give today a higher “number” ranking, not because I am happy with the events today… but because I am surprised by them in a way that is interesting both in the comic itself and in the comments:
From my perspective, I believe that Shannon is legitimately sad and feels bad after hearing Toni’s comments. Shannon’s response is, I believe, very natural for a kid and for adults too after hearing the dialogue. That Shannon responded as she did shows, IMO, that she is more “caring”, “sensitive” and “aware” than she is often portrayed by Greg.
I think that Toni was wrong in this case on several fronts…. 1) I think Toni should have known and realized that her discussion topic and what she wanted to say should be said out of earshot of Shannon. That Toni had the discussion she did out in the open suggests to me that Toni is either emotionally naive about how words can hurt (I doubt this), or that she is not a particularly caring person. To me, Toni’s “Ok, Am I really bad, or is she really good?” rings as rather snarky and mean-spirited too. I had not thought that was part of Toni’s demeanor.
I think this week’s worth of panels has put Brad in an even BETTER light than usual… HE is the one who is showing care, concern, and thoughtfulness about this situation.
* * * *Hell, this is all about paint colors in a room that was designed specifically for Shannon. The opening salvo by Toni today of “Shannon isn’t ours, and neither is this house.” is, IMO nonsensical hyperbole… Brad and Toni remodeled the house for Shannon…. now to spout off “she isn’t ours and neither is this house” is a mean, foolish thing to say this late in the game…. perhaps before the remodel, behind closed doors, this would have been legitimate… but now? It seems to me, inappropriate.
I say, paint the room as Shannon would like, let her have a “space”. Two gallons of paint and an afternoon can change it to a more normal hue anytime later.
Moonyea over 5 years ago
I can’t believe all of you have missed the real mystery and important question to answer; What does it say about Toni that the day after ripping Puce she is wearing it? What is the hidden message here, now that is a real dilemma!
AnyFace over 5 years ago
Bit o’ Both? ✨
Rauderi over 5 years ago
It’s not bad to let a kid have some input. You just have to moderate their choices or present them with acceptable options to choose from. Like if she wants puce, do it as an accent wall or trim color. Or take her to the paint store and show her color swatches.
Code the Enforcer over 5 years ago
You know, at first blush this morning getting ready for work, I thought that Shannon was playing the manipulating card as well today. FYI, my former spouse and some of my ex in-laws (and I do emphasize the EX) had kids who were master manipulators, if not at or near Shannon’s age. On the way to work, I thought more about today’s strip.
I agree with Luann1212. Shannon does act out, but she has feelings as well. Overhearing all that hit a – if not THE – note with her. Kids do crave for structure (I did), and it usually does a world of good for them. When they DON’T have it is when you can expect all the bad behavior.
I am hoping a creative answer later resolves this one. Who knows?…
bookworm0812 over 5 years ago
Toni does have a point that it’s not really their house. You usually have to get permission to make changes. Usually though, for painting, they’ll let you paint it anyway you want. If your landlord decided they wanted to sell the property and you weren’t going to buy it, then they would just whitewash the walls before putting it on the market.
Natarose over 5 years ago
How about Toni and Shannon compromise on how the room should be done? A little what one wants and a little what the other wants. This way they both win. Yes the child needs some structure, but no reason no to let her be herself as well.
swanridge over 5 years ago
Shannon saw a “poor me” moment that could be used later.
cabalonrye over 5 years ago
Wrong timing with Shannon in hearing distance. That’s a very embarrassing moment. The best thing to do for Toni is go see Shannon and offer to work out the decoration of the room together.
royhoward over 5 years ago
no more shannon
chris_weaver over 5 years ago
Shannon learns how to say, “I’m fine!”
cooterrichards over 5 years ago
What if Shannon has to learn she can’t always get her way…
xaingo over 5 years ago
Shannon needs to learn the puppy dog eyes technique.
dotweasl over 5 years ago
This brought tears to my eyes.
Scoutmaster77 over 5 years ago
Both…
rjdunmore over 5 years ago
There is an answer here Toni. Time to teach Shannon about compromise. You give her some control by offering a few choices, not the whole shebang. These choices are ones you can live with too. And show some excitement with her ideas and cooperation.
oakie817 over 5 years ago
aw look at her walking away…against your better judgement give her a shot….I can’t wait to see it
locake over 5 years ago
Toni has a lot of anger towards her brother and she takes it out on an innocent child. Toni is just as bad for Shannon as Jonah is.
Teto85 Premium Member over 5 years ago
If you decorate the room the way she wants, she is going to want to visit more often. Is that what you really want?
Far trippin' over 5 years ago
All Brad needs to do is take Toni to Abracapasta. There’s a magician there that does this act with a pinata, he’ll really change Toni’s mind about this! They may even end up painting clouds on Shannon’s wall.
Schrodinger's Dog over 5 years ago
having weathered the storms of 40+ years of marriage, let me translate from “woman-speak” for you unenlightened males out there:
Toni: “This isn’t our house”
translation: “I want a house!”
Toni: “She isn’t our kid”
translation: " I want a child!"
kenhense over 5 years ago
I visualize Shannon holding an Academy Award trophy in 2030.
queenoftut over 5 years ago
Could someone refresh my memory please? Where or what happened to Shannon’s mother?
Tha_Hype over 5 years ago
I didn’t realize the house wasn’t theirs. So Toni is being rational. But with kids, rationality needs to be tempered with flexibility. Don’t take the choice completely out of her hands. Picks some acceptable options and allow her to choose from them.
Cheapskate0 over 5 years ago
queenoftut: Here, here, and I agree! It is, thus far, the biggest mystery in these Shannon arcs.
Mijo94 over 5 years ago
If you’re there with her when she tells you what she wants, how in the world is that not structured? You can be there to help guide her and be realistic about her desires. Didn’t think Toni had “controlling” like tendencies. She needs to work on that cause you’re making your sweet niece feel bad b/c she’ll think her choices aren’t good enough. Meanwhile, Brad will be forced to be in the middle and will try to avoid trouble with the wife.
howtheduck over 5 years ago
Shannon, like her father, knows Toni is a soft touch.
STACEY MARSHALL Premium Member over 5 years ago
Well played, Shannon! Well played!
RSH over 5 years ago
Arguing about Shannon who is 6 and within earshot of hurtful comments is not good. Instead of turning back around to face Brad, Aunt Toni could have nipped this in the bud (a bit) by placing her arm around Shannon’s shoulders and drawing her into a group discussion of how to decorate the room….. but she didn’t.
Schrodinger's Dog over 5 years ago
tomorrow: Puddles visits and adds his own take on what color should be on the walls!
phxhocking over 5 years ago
How about a compromise? Toni gets to decorate most of the room, but Shannon can have one wall where she can whatever she wants. And I DID feel sorry for Shannon. She’s just a little kid, after all.
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] over 5 years ago
They have done wonders for that girl. She is much better now after the negligent abuse that Jonah puts her through.
mrsdonaldson over 5 years ago
Yes…
Sisyphos over 5 years ago
An unexpected development. Shannon, downcast more than ever before, shows some concern for other people. I think the mention of her mostly-absent father got to her….
craigwestlake over 5 years ago
This is how CSI gets most of their plots…
cosman over 5 years ago
..And better than group therapy..
Airman over 5 years ago
Time to bring down the curtain on the would-be actor’s accident, go out the door, avoid Gunther and Leslie’s battle headquarters, and head directly to Bernice’s dorm where Piro has returned for a second kiss.
granitewhite over 5 years ago
Yes.
OriEri over 5 years ago
Toni is going to be a nice emotionally abusive parent. You never say to a six year old who does not have good boundaries with her only parent, whose only parent is absent from their and to whom you have become a caregiver “you are not mine.” That does not make the money feel safe and it it is going to undermine any effort Toni makes to discipline her in the future .