Generation Brexit

Grandad and Grandma had had enough. It was time for change. New rules. Not for them, though. These ones went out to the grandkids. And it went a little like this.

‘No more house visits. No more sleepovers. No more coming and going. No more footballs flying around the garden. And certainly no more playing with kids from other neighbourhoods.’

‘But why?’ the grandkids asked.

‘Look, it’s for the best.’ Grandad and Grandma said. ‘We are old. We need our peace and quiet. And we don’t want people running around the house with their dirty shoes, making a noise.’

Later, Mum and Dad came home from work. Walking into the house, the kids ran towards them, shouting, ‘Mummy! Daddy! Grandad and Grandma are being mean! They won’t let us play!’

‘Hey! Don’t say that about your Grandad and Grandma! Have a little respect, please.’

‘But Muuuuuum, we just want to play with our friends!’

‘Well, did you ask nicely?’

‘Yes, but they still said no!’

‘Ok, well, let Mummy have a talk with Grandma, OK?’

‘Yes!’

……

‘Mother, is it ok if the kids go and play with their friends for a while?’

‘You’re as bad as they are! Letting them do whatever they want!’

‘Mother, they are children. That’s what children want to do! To play.’

‘Well, what about what I want? Have you ever thought about that? Look, I told them no and I’m telling you no! They should be spending time with their family. Not out there with God-knows-who.’

‘Mother, they are their friends.’

‘Well, to me, they are strangers. Anyway, are their so-called friends more important than their own grandparents? Their own flesh and blood?’

‘Mother, that’s not the point. They need to spend time with other children their own age.’

‘No! That is the point! And, actually, they should be spending time with their Grandad and Grandma. Family comes first. That’s what matters. It seems that some people have forgotten what is important around here. And, anyway, we won’t be around forever, you know.’

…….

‘OK, kids. We’re going to spend time with Grandma and Grandad this weekend, OK!’

‘But Muuuuuum….’

‘No buts!’

‘So unfair!’

…..

Sitting in the living room, Grandma sipped on her gin and tonic and read her Mills & Boon book. Grandad snoozed in his comfy chair. Mummy added some new stickers on her Line account, while Dad prepared dinner. The kids? Well, they just stared out the window looking at all the other kids playing.