Ketchup Comment

My nMom bought my kids some kites a month or so ago and we set up a time today to go to the park to fly them. The kids enjoyed time at the park, my Mom spent a little time with them and then sat and watched them play.

Afterwards, we all decided to go to McDonald’s to get the kids lunch. We sat down and got the kids settled with their food. My husband grabbed a variety of different sauces for the nuggets and the kids started eating. My oldest was trying some of the new sauces and talking about which one she liked and didn’t like.

Out of the blue, my nMom makes a snarky comment about how much ketchup I used to eat as a kid. Note, we have been having some difficultly with my stepdaughter (13) saying rude things to her younger twin sisters (6). One twin will sometimes mimic and say unkind things to the other after oldest sister is around and we have to tell her that it was unkind.

Anyways, after my nMom makes the unnecessary and rude comment about my ketchup consumption, I said calmly.

Me: “That was rude.” nMom: “It’s true!” Me: “It was still rude and we don’t say unkind things about people.” Sort of motioning that her comment is still subconsciously heard by the kids.

My Mom sat back for a second wide eyed and it was as if her mind was buffering, like she wanted to react, but because I didn’t approach my response as anxious or one that could be manipulated by her, instead I remained calm and straightforward, she was flabbergasted. She didn’t know what to say and then shut down for a few minutes.

We went along with our meal and I redirected the mood rather quickly by engaging with my six year olds and smiling at them. She literally couldn’t find a way to stay mad, but you could tell she did have a sort of “clutched pearl” moment.