Stone Soup by Jan Eliot for June 25, 1998
Transcript:
Val: Holly? How old are you? Holly: 12. Almost 13. Holly: Do you think you're old enough to take responsibility for your actions? Holly: Yes. Val: Good. Then for losing track of Max, who is only two and needs you to be responsible on his behalf - you are now grounded for one week. During that time you'll watch Max all day instead of just half days. Holly: It seems to me if you're bad at something you should do it less, not more. Val: Or you should practice, which is the route we'll be taking.
Do you think almost-13-years is old enough to HAVE a child? No, right? But you think she is old enough to RAISE one?
And the fact that they made Alix – who was last summer only 8, if I calculate correctly – do it all alone, doesn’t speak much about the responsibility of mothers here.
(speaking as someone who will have a 13yo and 11yo by the time new baby is born)