#5. Leaving dishes piled in the sink

If you have wandered into the kitchen while mom is making dinner and thought “why is she looking at me like that?” It’s because she has come home from work, the store or school and found the sink is full of dirty dishes. When she left the sink was empty and now it’s not only full of dirty dishes but plates, bowls and silverware that still have food on them. To make it worse the dishwasher is empty!!!!!!! So, if you are the kind of kiddo that thinks “I don’t want mom to lose her mind and spike dinner” then please simply scrape/rinse your dishes and put them in the dishwasher.

#4. Asking her what’s for dinner

I know what you are thinking, “why can’t I ask mom what’s for dinner?” Well, normally you can. Just stop doing it when she is literally walking through the door or as soon as you sit your fanny down in the car, after she picks you up from school, and for heaven sake do NOT ask her while you are watching her lug grocery bags from the car. Mom always makes sure you have dinner. It may not be what you want but rest assured you will eat. Give your mom a minute. Let her gather herself before you ask. Better yet, how about you fix dinner for her.

#3. Leaving you sweaty cleats, batting gloves or socks in the hot car

This is Texas. It’s hot, even in the “winter” season. Regardless of your sport the sweaty equipment and clothes you leave in the car makes for a smell which gives decomposition a run for its money. The last thing mom wants to do in the morning, is be smacked in the face by your wet, Texas microwaved socks, cleats, undershirts or jerseys. She doesn’t want to go to the office with that aroma stuck on her new blazer. She doesn’t want her newly styled hair to smell like yesterday’s practice. She just wants you to take your stuff with you when you get out of the car. Simple!

#2. Not listening

This is something that makes mom crazy regardless of your age. Mom says things for many reasons. Somethings are for your own good, to teach you or for your information. Regardless of the reason, mom does not waste her words. You learned to speak, by listening to her, you learned to read by listening to her and you will learn to be a wise adult if you listen to her. Do yourself a favor and don’t just “hear” mom but listen, consider the words, the tone and the context.

#1. Bang on the door when she is in the bathroom

According to scotsman.com the average person spends 14.57 minutes in the bathroom and everyone knows that moms get less time than that in there. So please, please, please, stop banging on the bathroom door, yelling “mom.” It is very unlikely that a tragedy will occur in less than 14 minutes. Mom can check your homework, tell you what’s in the fridge, wash your uniform and scold your siblings when she is done. She needs a peaceful minute.

-Kathy Sayles, Juris Doctor Candidate 2019