Assertion: Putting Down the Gun by Rebecca Walker (LOC pg 17)

In this passage from her book, Putting Down the Gun, Rebecca Walker narrates on one of the most common daily events for a parent. Her child comes home upset from who-knows-what, refuses to be comforted, and retreats to some corner of the room. After a while, Walker's son realizes that he can let his guard down around family and begins to relax and take part in the household. Face it, we've all done it. After a tiring day at school, sports, and work we come home with a sour face and the intention of vaporizing anyone who tries to be friendly. What we don't realize is that the people waiting for us at home, whether it be family or friends, genuinely care about us and what we have to say. I can relate to the frustration Walker's son has when he arrives home. Often i get home from school with my "plan" for the evening already set. 1)homework, 2)homework, 3)running, 4)homework, 5)dinner/bed. On those rare occasions when my parents are home before me I feel as if they have messed up my plan and therefore made my stressful day even worse, since now i have to work my plans around theirs. But what i don't realize is that i can share my conflicts with them and come up with a solution that leaves me with enough time for homework, and allows them to get their much needed "daughter time" with me. By sharing a conversation with them i also relax myself and transition from school-mode to home-mode.