Now Listen Here

Parents seem to be at odds with kids, kids are feeling out of touch.

Never it seems has the human family been so much under fire, this with all the child psychologists, community and school projects, billions of dollars spent on finding causes which don't seem to be working. In spite of shorter work weeks there doesn't seem to be time to spend as parent with child.

The problem has been discussed ad nauseam but where's the answer? Could it be something as simple as how parents listen to children, are we preoccupied? Kids need our attention, we need to show love regardless of the situation. As in most human problems, could the answer be as simple as sitting down regularly and as often as  kid or parent needs to talk? Set times are good but often problems do not coincide with pre-planned times.

Cast:  4

Mom
Dad
Patricia - teen daughter
Peter - teen son

Bible Reference:  James 1:19

Set:  blank

Lighting:  as available

Sound:  wireless mics if available

Song:  none

SFX:    none

Costumes:  standard

Props:  none

Special Instructions:   none

Time: 12

Sample of Script:

Peter comes on stage, Father sits in chair reading newspaper, face unseen, Mother at kitchen counter, back to audience.

Peter: Hi Mom, Dad. I had a purely awesome day at school! Just wait ‘til I tell you guys . . . First there was this . . .

Dad: Did you close the door? No need to run the air conditioner just to cool the great outdoors. See here, another increase in electrical costs, just what I needed!

Mom: Peter, did you wash your hands?

Peter: Yep, door’s closed, I’ll wash my hands in just a minute, but I ran all the way home from school, just bursting to tell you the good news about . . .

Mom: First things first, young man! Now you march straight into the bathroom and clean up. Dinner will be in less than 20 minutes. I am not about to slave all day over this soufflé just to have you late for your meal.

Peter walks over to Mom, reaches to touch her.

Peter: Mom, I am so excited! You know how hard I have been trying to make the team and . . .

Mom: Peter! I am covered with flour, you will have it all over the floor. You simply will not be satisfied until my meal is ruined, will you? Now stand back, please!

Peter: But Mom, I have this really great news, you will be sooo proud of me, I . .

Dad: I believe you heard your mother. Now, not another word!

Peter: Dad, remember how I told you that the coach said if I worked at it, I might make the team as pitcher . . .

Dad: Later, Peter. I just got home from the plant, a really hectic day, I’m bushed. Maybe after supper. Right now, I just gotta veg out, read the paper. See here, the Blue Jays swept the series with Colorado. If only they had some pitching, they just might be able to . . .

Peter: That’s what I want to talk to you about, I . . .

Mom: Young man, you are wearing on my nerves. It has not been an easy day for me. Your grandmother called, and as usual, she had to mention how wonderful things were with my sister’s children. (mimics) “Did you know that Mary’s little Rachel has been selected to perform at the Nationals in Denver next month?” “Oh, and did you know Mary’s son James took first place in the Junior Achievement competition in Seattle?” I tell you, it’s as if my sister’s kids can walk on water! You know, with the way I slave for my children, the least that you could do is do something, anything that I could brag about to my mother!

Peter: Mom, I am trying to tell you, you will be so proud of me, I . . .

Dad: Yes, we will be proud of you, after you wash your hands! As in NOW!

Peter: Oh, OK, fine, I will go. No one really cares what happens in my life anyhow!

Peter walks off stage as Mom talks.

Mom: Now see here, young man, I shall have you know that I try very hard to be a good mother to you, but I expect some cooperation at mealtime. Bill, are you just going to sit there and do nothing? You really have no idea what I go through here all day, do you?

Dad: Now you listen to me, Martha. You want to talk hard days? I have been through the wringer today, I’ll tell you! That new foreman, Gruesome Greg, he has come on the scene, seems like with a plan to turn the whole plant upside down, some of the wildest ideas I have ever . . .

Mom: Bill, not now please, I am counting out the ingredients for this cake. Last thing I need is a disaster. Now, where was I?

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