Laila: “Mom, have you ever felt like you’re dumb? Like you can’t do anything right?”

Eloise: “Why are you asking that? Do you feel that way?”

Laila: “There’s some stuff we’re doing in school and I don’t understand my homework. I feel like I’m not smart enough to do it.”

Eloise: “You might just need more time to learn it. We can look at it together this afternoon, okay?”

Laila: “Can we do my homework at the cafe and have some cappuccinos?”

Eloise: “Absolutely not. What is with you girls and your sudden obsession with cappuccinos lately?”

Eloise: “First you refuse to sit with the family for supper and now you do something like this? What are you, a toddler? You need a time out!”

Parker: “No way! Time outs are for babies!”

Eloise: “The punishment fits the crime, doesn’t it? That time has now doubled and it will triple if you don’t do what you’re told!”

Parker: *sigh*