Have to smile. I was cooking dinner for my family many nights at about that age. Granted, that was a bit early, but it was doable. Seeing Michael having responsibilities is a good thing.
My mother was widowed by the time I was 9, and little bro was 5. She went to work part time, because she wanted to try to save part of Dad’s life insurance for us in a college fund. And I learned to start dinner when I came home after school. No biggie. You’re part of a family, you do what you can to help out.
Geez, I managed to cut up carrots with a kitchen knife when I was 9, and the world didn’t end. Is Michael some kind of super klutz who you can’t trust to cut a carrot?
Yes, absolutely. I was handling sharp knives, fire and 110v electricity by the time I was 8. `My mother had died and my father worked, so yes, I and my younger brother were home alone without adult supervision and thought nothing of it. And neither would any of the neighbors. Unless you’re a complete klutz knives and fire are not a big deal at that age. Maybe if kids were expected to be more responsible we’d have more responsible adults.
Why not?? I could use kitchen implements at that age. I could also light a wood fire, and I had a small hatchet for chopping kindling. I also knew how to use hammers, screwdrivers, and a handsaw. By the time I was 12, I was using power tools. My second husband and current partner were both amazed.
I did all those things and more when I was younger than 10… Kids are not clueless morons if their parents are doing their job and teaching them how to do things.
Most boys at 9 have a small pocket knife and are comfortable with knives. Also, I wonder which parent Michael got this “am I a housewife?” attitude. Brat.
There is a neighbor paying attention, one who years later (mild spoiler alert)
would be paying enough attention in the middle of the night to know a teen old enough to be home alone had to many lights on, even if the house was quiet, and check. An accident bad enough that she can’t assist, if they’ve seen him safely handle knives before, is unlikely. And between the ages of 8 and 12 I did start meals when Mom was working. My grandparents were next door, mostly, though Grandpa wheelchair-bound by the time I was 12. Mom didn’t put it together but the first few times I was left home alone I was told to keep an ear out for Grandpa, who was slightly more mobile then, because he was outside doing some light garden task. She didn’t realize they’d probably set it up so he’d be watching the house and could hear me easily, and with Grandma listening for him too…
I love it..When I was a “working mom” I made a list every morning, after the children went to school and before I left for work, what chores they had to complete before I got home, so that I could hit the ground running and have supper on the table after about half an hour and we could be off to our activities, but still eat supper as a family, and not feel rushed and not have snacks in the car…
My kids have been using knives since they were 7. They were well monitored for a while, but now at ages 9 and 11, they are confident to be left alone. To think that a 9 year old needs constant monitoring is what a helicopter parent firmly believes in and does a great disservice to the child. Educate them first and the rest will take care of itself.
Just like I had to do and my father before me. I was also babysitting at his age — I don’t recommend it, but in earlier generations it happened. AND he had the option of staying at Annie’s.
Templo S.U.D. over 9 years ago
Who was the chef (especially the great chef) when he got a college roommate: himself or Josef Myron Weeder (aka Weed)?
sukiec over 9 years ago
Have to smile. I was cooking dinner for my family many nights at about that age. Granted, that was a bit early, but it was doable. Seeing Michael having responsibilities is a good thing.
Argythree over 9 years ago
My mother was widowed by the time I was 9, and little bro was 5. She went to work part time, because she wanted to try to save part of Dad’s life insurance for us in a college fund. And I learned to start dinner when I came home after school. No biggie. You’re part of a family, you do what you can to help out.
Argythree over 9 years ago
Geez, I managed to cut up carrots with a kitchen knife when I was 9, and the world didn’t end. Is Michael some kind of super klutz who you can’t trust to cut a carrot?
Richard Howland-Bolton Premium Member over 9 years ago
At least in the last panel he’s holding his hands so we can count the ‘before’ fingers…I wonder how many there’ll be tomorrow?
TheSkulker over 9 years ago
Yes, absolutely. I was handling sharp knives, fire and 110v electricity by the time I was 8. `My mother had died and my father worked, so yes, I and my younger brother were home alone without adult supervision and thought nothing of it. And neither would any of the neighbors. Unless you’re a complete klutz knives and fire are not a big deal at that age. Maybe if kids were expected to be more responsible we’d have more responsible adults.
poodles27 over 9 years ago
Sadly, like Father, like son. And the vicious circle continues. Lol!
gypsylobo over 9 years ago
Like to or not, apparently he has peeled and cut up carrots before, or he wouldn’t have a clue as to how to do it.
ladykat over 9 years ago
Why not?? I could use kitchen implements at that age. I could also light a wood fire, and I had a small hatchet for chopping kindling. I also knew how to use hammers, screwdrivers, and a handsaw. By the time I was 12, I was using power tools. My second husband and current partner were both amazed.
Guilty Bystander over 9 years ago
Ahhh, so Mike learns the Latchkey Game not necessarily going to go his way.
nickel_penny over 9 years ago
I did all those things and more when I was younger than 10… Kids are not clueless morons if their parents are doing their job and teaching them how to do things.
mkd_1218 over 9 years ago
Been watching this attitude develop. Time for an adult to help with the adjustment of said attitude.
JanLC over 9 years ago
SPOILER ALERT
Anne was the banquet manager at the hotel, not a chef.
Ginny Premium Member over 9 years ago
Most boys at 9 have a small pocket knife and are comfortable with knives. Also, I wonder which parent Michael got this “am I a housewife?” attitude. Brat.
kattbailey over 9 years ago
There is a neighbor paying attention, one who years later (mild spoiler alert)
would be paying enough attention in the middle of the night to know a teen old enough to be home alone had to many lights on, even if the house was quiet, and check. An accident bad enough that she can’t assist, if they’ve seen him safely handle knives before, is unlikely. And between the ages of 8 and 12 I did start meals when Mom was working. My grandparents were next door, mostly, though Grandpa wheelchair-bound by the time I was 12. Mom didn’t put it together but the first few times I was left home alone I was told to keep an ear out for Grandpa, who was slightly more mobile then, because he was outside doing some light garden task. She didn’t realize they’d probably set it up so he’d be watching the house and could hear me easily, and with Grandma listening for him too…
JennyJenkins over 9 years ago
I love it..When I was a “working mom” I made a list every morning, after the children went to school and before I left for work, what chores they had to complete before I got home, so that I could hit the ground running and have supper on the table after about half an hour and we could be off to our activities, but still eat supper as a family, and not feel rushed and not have snacks in the car…
UpaCoCoCreek Premium Member over 9 years ago
Like father like son.
frightenup Premium Member over 9 years ago
My kids have been using knives since they were 7. They were well monitored for a while, but now at ages 9 and 11, they are confident to be left alone. To think that a 9 year old needs constant monitoring is what a helicopter parent firmly believes in and does a great disservice to the child. Educate them first and the rest will take care of itself.
lindz.coop Premium Member over 9 years ago
Just like I had to do and my father before me. I was also babysitting at his age — I don’t recommend it, but in earlier generations it happened. AND he had the option of staying at Annie’s.
lindz.coop Premium Member over 9 years ago
It didn’t matter who was at home, we were all expected to pitch in and help — apparently a new concept to kids today.