For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for April 19, 2021

Isn’t that what parenting is all about?

Sorry John and Elly, but your kids have agreed on this particular subject for years, not just today.

Panel 1: John is exaggerating. Michael asked to peel around the block a few times, not downtown. Just say it’s illegal. That’s all you need to say.

Panel 2: Elly thought Elizabeth’s hair looked just fine which is her way. She seems to be unable to recognize that it’s a legitimate problem for Elizabeth. The problems of kids may seem unimportant to adults, but in their world, it’s different.

They are at the age where you can’t take their personal insults personal.

interesting point there, John, in the end

Teenagers tend to be schist-heads until about age 25 or so…

Looks like John waxes.

Their kids are just too darned spoiled, and NOT smart about the way they act towards their parents. Even though this is “only a cartoon”, it is based on Lynn Johnston’s actual family life. Both parents had busy careers at the time and the kids were at loose ends, without the guidance they needed too often. It may make for comic strip material, but it’s also a lesson in what NOT to do in your own family. :P

John should have told him if you think it is ok to break the law while driving your not ready for a license, let’s push it out a year. But with Liz if she is old enough to take care of her hair herself she should have the say so in how she wears her hair. Nothing like if she wants a Mohawk or purple, but length of bangs yes

It was amazing how much smarter my folks got once I turned 21 or so.

Father knows best. Mother knows better. Kids know everything. Uncles are cool.

We could make another funny strip with Michael’s driving, and combine it with the phone:

John dials phone

John: Hello? Jim’s Fish, Chips, and Insurance? How much would it cost to add my son to my policy? How old is he? Um…um…um…hold onJohn muffles phone and talks to Michael How old are you, my son?

Michael: Sixteen, Dad.

John: OK, thanks. Returns to call He is 16. WHOA! How much?? If you think I am going to pay that premium you must think I am as stupid as my pot holder burning mother-in-law! Oh so? Well, let me tell you, your insults about my wife do not hurt me!

Elly: What did he say?

John{muffles phone}: Nothing I haven’t said myself. returns to call Seriously Jim, is this the best you can do for an Army buddy and someone who did not tell the police what your catch of the day really was? Oh, I see! Well, if that is the way you are going to be you can take my insurance policy and stuff it; all of it!

John slams down phone receiver

John: John Patterson takes guff from no one!

Elly, Michael & Elizabeth{in unison}: Cheap, cheap, cheap!

Elly: John, now you are uninsured. Aren’t you worried?

John: Elly, insurance is like marriage or public school taxes. You pay and pay and get nothing in return!

If they’re pissed, you’re doing it right.

Elly never admits to being wrong. In all. The years I have read this strip I can’t remember her once admitting she was wrong. About anything.

Look at the positives!

It seems that every kid about to enter (or are in) their teenage years act just like Elizabeth and Michael.

Silver lining I guess…..

When my daughter was a teenager, I always threatened that I’d have her cryogenically frozen and not dethaw her until she was 21!

When her son was a teen, she threatened him with the same thing. She’d finally got it!

I’ve always told her that my grandson was my best revenge on her. Now she knows what I’d gone through with her!

Unfortunately, for my grandson, I think my daughter is now spoiling his daughter ( my great-granddaughter ) even worse than I spoiled him.

John was right about Michael not driving and Elly was wrong to not care how Liz wanted her hair.

That is a very good poem!

BTW, good strip today. Cheer up you still have April wanting you around.