I was fondly remembering my own life as a child earlier today, and to be honest it has made me think that my children need DNA testing. They may look a small bit like me, but then again if I look closer maybe not, and they seem to have some of my mannerisms, but that is probably due to the fact I am always around them. I know I was present at all four births so it is highly unlikely all four were unwittingly swapped, but overall they are alien beings to me. They do not share my humour, they are much more health conscious than I am and above all their attitude to school puzzles, and at times, alarms me.
When I was a young child I rarely got into trouble in school, however that was more to do with my quick thinking than behaviour. If I had ‘forgotten’ to do my homework I came up with a good excuse and delivered it in such a way that I got away with it while fellow classmates were given lines for punishment. I was also very quick with a great memory, so an unlearned poem could be learned just in time, or homework copied and ready before it was asked for. In contrast my own children would not dream of going into primary school without their homework, and unlike their mother they have no creative ability at all, so they cannot lie. In fact so worried was I at their rigid obedience when they were young, I even offered them a bribe if they came home with a black mark against their name. They never took my bribe and even judged me as a mother!
As I moved on to secondary school my lack of interest was duly noted by some teachers. I say, ‘some’ because it was not all teachers or subjects I disliked. In 
those classes I found boring, I wasn’t noted for answering aloud, I often ‘forgot’ to bring in the appropriate book, and my homework assignments were sporadic. This is in sharp contrast to my children who, regardless of whether they like a subject or not, always make an effort.
Today I watched one of my (alleged) children, sort out school folders, duly tidying up her notes and sorting them into correct folders. I hasten to add she was doing this on her mid term break. I was reminded of my own organisational skills. Instead of individual folders for each subject I brought one notepad to school. Within that notepad were the notes for every subject. Unfortunately the pages were not always secure within that notepad, and on occasions some became detached and became part of the crumpled waste gathered at the bottom of my bag, or just fell on the floor like litter and were discarded. My bedroom also reflected my lack of organisation. Books, notes, clothes and swim gear were strewn about. Today as I shared this detail with my daughter I could see her become agitated by the mere thought of it. When I told her that each night as I got into bed I would kick the duvet up, scattering all books to the floor, I definitely think she got pale.
Later while preparing dinner, I continued to shake my head as my daughter showed my youngest her afternoons work with her folders. Just then my husband arrived home and the book keeper one turned to him and said, ‘Look Dad, what I did today’. He took one look at the beautifully ordered, accounting folder and smiled, “That’s my girl”.
Exactly I thought, that is where it all went wrong!
photo credit: All snuggly via photopin (license)
My thoughts on a page. 
my 3 daughters all got their mechanical ability and sense of logic from their father. along with a sense of direction. i’m all right brain )
Whatever about when they are young it is amazing to see genetics shine through as they get older. Some of my genes must be very recessive, mind you a houseful of what my mom had to put up with would not be easy. 🙂
Aw, my daughter is quite a copy of her father too. 🙂 Much love! Always nice to stop here. Have a nice day!
Thanks Laurie. I check in with you regularly too.
❤
I swear I catch myself looking at my girls wondering WHY they don’t look or act like me because I know without a doubt I gave birth to two kids. How’s come I don’t get ANY look alikes or act alikes in the deal??? I feel this one Tric.
I’m right there with you. My girls dress up and look lovely, unlike their thrown together casual look mother, and my son is so like his Dad that a man who worked with him twenty years ago stopped him and asked him did he know my OH as he was the image of him!
They all hate English, writing or reading and love business and maths. I surrender, maybe the grandchildren?
I was so hopeful when the grands started arriving. Sigh…. I still don’t see me reflecting in them….. I want to see someone who loves to read. Loves to wear spiky hair (well the boy does like that!!!! 🙂 ) So there may be hope yet!
Haha Tric! I agree, it does seem to be your husband’s fault! ❤
Diana xo
Yes, those family genes. The funny thing is that my family are so loud and full on who would have thought we were the ones with the ‘weak’ genes!
As a mother of two and grandmother of seven, all I can do is laugh! Thanks for a great post. I loved it.
I’m beginning to hope that those genes may come through in the next generation. Am I right to hope?
Yes. never give up hope!
Chelsey and I are compulsive organizers and Katie used to drive both of us nuts with her lackadaisical manner. My husband’s lack of organizing is everywhere; his desk looks like a doctor’s handwriting.
You too but at least you had one you recognised. At least we can blame our husbands. 🙂
Despite my assurances that she was the only white baby in the hospital, my youngest says she prefers “switched at birth” to “your father’s genetic clone”. If her room didn’t usually look like the trailer park after the hurricane, I’d question whether she possessed any of my DNA.
Haha. My gang are also not one bit impressed to be like their Dad, but for them there is no denying it.
My goodness Tric, are you sure you’ve not lost a baby somewhere? I swear my son must be genetically related to you. He’s the one with the bag full of screwed up pieces of notepaper and a room I can’t actually get into because of stuff on the floor. Did one of yours go missing do you think?
I knew he was out there somewhere! I feel his pain as no one understands his organised chaos. Look after him. 🙂
I did get the wrong baby for a very short while but knew that the ‘other’ had no connection to me! So, I know you’d know on that score.
I look at my son with his love of parties and groups and think he can’t be any relation of mine. Then, I just gave to think of hubby!
Did you really get the wrong baby, or did I miss read that? At least we never have to do paternity tests. 🙂
BTW I thought of you today. I was in Debenhams and passed a big sign which said, “Change the world,.. Smile”.
So funny! I’m more like your kids, but can relate to my daughters being more studious than I and I have to remind my daughter that school is not the most important thing in life, that looking at the whole picture is important!
Oh my goodness! I think my teen must belong to you and your children were mine!! lol