If everyone else jumped off the Golden Gate bridge..

Last night J decided we needed a DNA test. He is convinced that we are not his "real" parents since we are "weird" and have so many completely bizarre rules like no dessert on school nights. He feels certain that our unwillingness to grant him his every request (last night's was creating his own e-mail address in the middle of dinner) means we couldn't possibly be his true parents. He is becoming a gifted emotional manipulator, and while he doesn't come out and say "If you loved me you would let me...." it is certainly implied.

And for the first time he is uttering the words that mean the arrival of the social identity.."I just want to be normal like the other kids". He's in THIRD GRADE. I thought I had at least until 6th before I was faced with this argument. According to J the "other kids" have lunchboxes full of candy, go to sleepaway camp on a regular basis, watch American Idol, ride in the front seat and have their own e-mail accounts. These are this week's demands. I am sure next week it will be a cell phone, Red Bull, a 2am curfew and a car.