The Art of Smart Comebacks

Ever since my sister's family moved to Canada and the kids joined a new montessori, the nephew seems to have some problems adjusting in school. This was really weird since he had started school in Phoenix only 5 months ago and he had been pretty excited about it. He used to accompany his dad to drop and pick big sister from school everyday and was eager to be a part of it as soon as possible.

But in the new school, he makes excuses and does not talk about the 'work' he does in school. My jijaji is a bit concerned since my  niece had learnt quite a lot by this time and moreover he is not seeing any returns for the 900$ they are paying for each child. So, finally he decided to push things along.

In the morning, while going to school:

Jijaji: Anay, aaj pata hai kaun sa day hai, aaj Monday hai. (Do you know what day it is - it is Monday)

Anay: Ok Papa. Fir tuesday aaayega, Anay ko pata hai. (Ok, dad. Tomorrow will be tuesday, Anay knows that).

In the evening, jijaji starts the topic: Anay aaj kaun sa day hai? (Anay, what day is it?)

Anay, being a very smart younger kid used to getting out of scrapes: Hmmm Anay ko pata hai par Anay nahi batayega. (Anay knows but he won't tell).

Jijaji: Anay, apko papa subah bataye the na aur ab aap bhool gaye! (Dad had told you in the morning and now you have forgotten!)

Anay: Papa, aap baar baar ek hi cheez kyon poochhte ho, aap bahut funny Papa ho! (Why do keep on asking the same thing again and again - you are a very funny Papa).

Well, who can think of a comeback to this comeback! The 'funny' word is said in a very cute accent and of course it effectively moved the discussion away from him.

The big sister, on the other hand, keeps on correcting mistakes we make anywhere within hearing! She makes sure that 'everybody' learns the lesson. This makes a greater contrast with the younger brother, who is not interested in book learning at all.

Sigh. It is the fate of younger siblings to be always compared with the elder one and to always fall short in the comparison. They have to live life with comebacks. Big Sigh. 

Note: As a kid, I also used to be eager to go to school after seeing my elder sister and brother go everyday. All the eagerness flipped to big time drama after the first day! Ongoing deja vu.