Bossiness is a Dominant Gene

Spending so much time with my family recently I’ve been able to recognize odd quirks or personality traits being echoed in the mannerisms and behaviors of our kids. Since I haven’t been able to find our computer cord in order to download our recent photos I thought in the meantime we could play a game I’m calling “That’s the Last Time Your Uncle Dave is Babysitting You!” Here’s how you play: I’ll list something I saw the kids doing recently and then give multiple choices as to which family member might have taught them that behavior. Whoever can best match their responses to mine wins:

1. When the kids are given “prizes” Bobby will hide his in a secret stash. He will then bring it out hours, sometimes days, later so that he can tease Hadassah about having a prize. Is this . . .

a. Daddy
b. Mommy
c. Grandma Roxanne
d. Uncle Josh
e. Uncle Dave

2. While playing at the park Hadassah likes to force frightened children to hold hands with her. Is this . . .

a. Daddy
b. Mommy
c. Papa Larry
d. Uncle Ben
e. Aunt Stephie

3. Bobby likes to parrot others and repeat “catch phrases” from commercials he has seen. Is this . . .

a. Daddy
b. Mommy
c. Papa Larry
d. Zadie Triestman
e. Other ________

4. Hadassah likes to change her outfit four times a day, cries when you make her use the orange crayon because “it’s a boy color,” and is often caught telling herself how pretty she is while looking at herself in the mirror. Is this . . .

a. Bubbie Triestman
b. Mommy
c. Aunt Bep
d. Aunt Stephie
e. other ________

5. The other day Priscilla and I watched as both children took turns repeatedly flinging themselves headlong off the back of the couch, pausing periodically to laugh at the others pain. Is this . . .

a. Mommy
b. Auntie Stephie
c. Uncle Carson
d. Uncle Dave
e. Uncle Josh

6. This morning I walked into a room to find that Hadassah had been having a conversation with me for the past hour and a half. Is this . . .

a. Daddy
b. Mommy
c. Uncle Josh
d. Zadie Triestman
e. Uncle Carson

7. Bobby is impervious to discouragement, discipline or the limitations of reality itself. Is this . . .

a. Daddy
b. Zadie Triestman
c. Uncle Dave
d. Uncle Josh
e. Aunt Stephie


8. When family comes to visit Hadassah likes to greet them at the door by asking where her present is. Is this . . .

a. Daddy
b. Uncle Carson
c. Aunt Bep
d. Aunt Stephie
e. other _________

9. Bobby goes through his days with a perpetual cloud of dust hovering over him and a ring of cookie encircling his mouth. Intervention will only dirty a cloth. Is this . . .

a. Daddy
b. Grandma Roxanne
c. Bubbie Triestman
d. Uncle Carson
e. Uncle Dave

10. When falling, the first thing Hadassah will do is check to see if her hands got dirty. If so she will begin crying for someone to wipe off her oowie. Is this . . .

a. Mommy
b. Auntie Stephie
c. Auntie Bep
d. Uncle Dave
e. Uncle Ben

11. When Bobby takes a toy from Hadassah she will let him have it and find another toy with which to play. Is this . . .

a. Daddy
b. Papa Larry
c. Uncle Ben
d. Aunt Bep
e. Uncle Carson
























Although there might be some discussion as to who the kids "take after," it should be obvious to everyone who they look like. (Pictured here is my favorite photo of all-time along with a random archive picture of Bobby.)