I'm never an ass to my kids, but there are times (like at almost 11:00 at night when a certain child is still rehearsing her opera at the top of her form) when I feel like shouting at the littlest. I don't shout, but I do tell her that it is high time she move along to bed. And what does she say? "Stop yelling." Oh how I hate that. I do not yell or shout at my children. I am not mean to them and yet they call it 'yelling' if I speak any words they do not want to hear. Too goddamn bad. I'll still speak them. Someone has to direct them as they are too young to always know what is best for them and they need reminders. And you know what else? My little singer needs to get her tired ass up in the morning and go to school with her head on so she can pass more classes than just musical theater. And sometimes *I* am tired in a way that means they all need to go to bed and just let the day end for the whole family. A funny book came to mind tonight. It is only funny because it is adult humor and not meant to be read to children. Taken in that proper context, it is absolutely fucking hilarious.