A Week Under My Son's Roof

When roles reverse, it’s payback time

- Allan Ripp

THERE COMES A time for every family when the tables turn and ☐ the parent has to answer to the child. Mine came recently when my wife and I stayed with our elder son in Los Angeles-our first visit in several years and the longest since he moved west in 2014. A whole week under his roof!

"Dad, don't leave the water running when you brush your teeth," Nathaniel admonished on our first night. Ditto when I washed my hands. All right, I figured, this is California, where drought is a concern. But I also got busted for pulling extra paper towels to wipe the kitchen counter and was instructed to use the dishcloth, which didn't seem sanitary.

More edicts followed. Not to leave my clunky walking shoes sitting out, and did I even need such ugly footwear? Don't wear a neck warmer when walking the dogs in the morning-it will warm up when we get to the park.