There is a child who is in our lives that I sort of wish wasn’t. By this, I mean the kid is an a-hole in the making. It is a painful, yet fascinating process to watch.

But yet, was this the way the child came out of the womb? Did he come out of it completely defiant, rude, and with the penchant for stomping on people’s feet simply because doesn’t like what they are saying?

Or is the fault of the parents?

Why is it that the mother can watch the boy as he deliberately obstructs tee ball practice as he sits down in mid-field, or purposely throws the ball the other way? Or somehow not see as he sticks his tongue out to adults who are in charge?

Well, she did at least give him a time-out when he stomped on the coach’s foot.

I’ve heard her make excuses for her ignoring of his behavior, as if it will one day all just magically disappear. It’s just a phase, you know. The path of least resistance is one this mother is all too familiar with. In fact, I think it has bench alongside it with her name on a plaque, that’s how often she uses it.

All kids do indeed have their phases. But when is such behavior a phase, and when is it obvious to all but the parents that this is ingrained behavior? And even if it’s a phase, it still needs to be addressed, stat.

So tell me, are children like this a product of nature, or nurture?

What say you all: poor-role-modeling, licentious hussy or wholesome growing girl?

Untitled by Q U i N N Y&C 0 U T U R e =L U V on Polyvore.com

As word got out that a makeover was coming to show Dora exploring growing up, fears that the wholesome little force of nature would turn into some kind of animated Paris Hilton Bratz doll escalated. I can’t see what all the fuss was about; yes, those are leggings, but they’re not from the Lindsay Lohan line. Yes, the top is too short for a dress, but it’s got the leggings so it’s okay. Yes, the clothes are a little tight in places, but there not House of Dereon trashy. Yes, her ears are pierced, but where I grew up all the Catholic girls got it done at 6 and all the Protestants spent the next ten years begging their mothers to let them, before being solemnly driven to the mall for the ceremony at the age of 16 (and not before, young lady!).

In fact, the only quibble I have (and it is a large one) is that neither in this universe nor in any animated alternative does turquoise go with royal purple.