...is not recommended. Even when poking gentle fun at their baby geniuses, no matter what age, the ladies are likely to get defensive. Or perhaps it was the person slagging that made them more defensive than usual (me).
While chatting to Jane, I commented on how I had never expected to see her favorite son being a dad and laughed. She bristled, saying he is a very good dad and a joy to see with his newborn daughter. Seeing as he is in his late 40s, married to a young'un, and this is their first child, I don't think I was terribly out of order -- especially since he had told me years ago that he wouldn't have kids at an advanced age like his own father had done.
Later that evening I had a nice chat with my own mother. She can slag me and I can slag me, but apparently I am not to comment unfavorably on her gorgeous grandchildren. To protect myself from my own siblings' potential ire as well, I shall not recount which story she told me. Of one kid, I said that sounds great. Then I asked about another kid (she has 10 grandkids and matriarchal tendencies). My response to her story was "that's a bit precious, no?" Bristles again.
You would think I would learn from my mistakes. In both cases, I managed to salvage the conversations and restore goodwill. At least I have learned that much.
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