Easy come, easy go

The kids have been in school a couple of weeks now, and Busy Boy (7th grade, can you believe that?) has been uncharacteristically doing his homework on his own, without complaint.

We're trying to stand back and let him take care of it, so I have no idea if he's doing it right, but we'll take it.

Busy Boy: "Aren't you proud of me for doing my work by myself?"

Me: 'Yes, I am. I'm very impressed."

Busy Boy (somewhat joking): "I guess I'm just growing up."

Me: "I have to tell you, I miss a lot of things about you being little, but your screaming and yelling and not getting your homework done properly is not on that list.

Oh, by the way, have you had a science test, yet?"

Busy Boy: "I have one tomorrow. (Pause) Oh, I brought the wrong book home."

Me: *sigh*

Busy Boy: "Hunh, I guess my childhood is back."