Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau for April 19, 2021

If all else fails, buy their love.

JJ is well on his way to outclassing her mother Joanie.

These places are open on christmas day?

Don’t leave her alone with Zeke!

Better gobble down that burger, Alex. I just saw Garfield walk in. Or is it Wimpy?

This episode of Lousy Parents 101 brought to you by Doonesbury. :-)

Details. Pierced ears? …okay, I’m a guy. I don’t get it, but I’m thinking this is a bad idea. Right?

Six? Seven? I thought Alex was at least ten.

Alex is one smart kid. She’ll have her mother and “uncle Stupidhead” blow a wad on her before she’s done with them!

Classic for an estranged parent: buy the child’s affection.

Is is really legal to provide “ritual mutilation” to a minor? (Yes, I know.)

You’re never too young for a primitive piercing or tattoo..

I note how dull Zeke seems when he isn’t in one of his familiar roles.

Shut it, Zeke!

Uncle Stupidhead speaks. And, of course, mom is clueless.

I remember when my mother wanted me to pierce my ears, but I was never interested. To this day, there are still no holes in my ear lobes.

And I’m 51.

I have a feeling Mike is going to go seriously ballistic when Alex gets home. I suspect some of the strips we have not seen involved battles about Alex getting her ears pierced with Mike be very opposed. This will only serve to futher alienate him from JJ, if that is possible.

JJ got her ears pierced years ago, all the way through her head!

If you think JJ is going to spend a cent on Alex, think again! She will hit up Mike for every penny spent. Including Du**Ba*s coffee.

So, how much are those two Selling the kid for?

Or is it just Uncle Stupidhead and he hasn’t told JJ yet?

Typical split-parenting ploy; promise her anything that dad might go ballistic over – especially knowing she can’t deliver, but that won’t stop her from tryin’ to rack up some brownie points with her daughter.

The worst part is, the girl probably thinks she’s being sincere.

She’s only a pawn in her game.