When I was a child , my biggest problems can be solved by my parents. They were the go-to people. They were multi-talented and always rose to the occasion  when needed. They became doctors when I was ill. They became artists or sculptures when I had art projects in school. They turned into teachers when I had a math problem and many times, my shrink when I felt bad. They always knew what to do , well sometimes you would have to endure a proper scolding first before they helped. But help they did and supported and nurtured.

Now , as a grown-up , its a different perspective – my friends who are parents are just normal people who sometimes go into mental meltdowns because their kids face problems and they need to solve them.

Ok , I admit it , whenever there is a kid running around , screaming his lungs out in a restaurant where you are trying to have cozy conversations, I would turn around and look who the parents are. If they were trying to get a hold of the situation, I would give them a sympathetic look but if they are not even bothered, I would give them the eye roll.

This makes me think back about how it was for me – when I misbehaved in public , Mom just had to give me “the Look” – I don’t quite know how to describe it but I’ll try.  It was a combined stare with a little frown and her lips would go all straight.  It would sometimes be just fleeting, because then her face looked normal again as she turned back to the adult conversations around her. “The Look” spoke volumes though – it said “You better stop this behaviour right now , young lady”. It also said “You will definitely get an earful when I get you alone!” Or sometimes it would be “You will know, when we get home”

Just one look was all it took – that is a power I always wanted to have. I have been practicing the look for years but sadly it did not yield the same result. I have given this look to peers, subordinates, business associates, friends, family and definitely my pets but the results were always unsatisfactory. Some even laughed! Now I have come to the realization why it does not work for me – because “The Look” was ultimately a promise of what bad things will come if this behaviour continues and I never had enough leverage to use it with the people around.

However I urge parents everywhere to train it and use it. It is way more effective than having a shouting match with a child in a crowded restaurant.

-The End-