Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson for July 01, 2021

Mom only disapproves of things that will personally bother her.

Or maybe she thinks watching TV is actually the worst of those 3 things. Hopefully not though.

Just some programmed keywords to activate a scripted set of refusals.

Selective…..listening.

But you can learn from it.

You should bet that they’re listening when they need to. Pretty much the same talent as the eye in the back of the head.

How many good intentions!

It goes with eyes in the back of their heads, Calvin.

She’s a mom, Calvin. You don’t even KNOW how many detectors she has!

Trust no one Calvin…especially not adults.

Calvin, you would be surprised that adults are always listening. The listening may however be selective, depending on what the adults have control over.

Maybe stop announcing your intentions. Stealth has its advantages.

These days you’d end up on a terrorist watch registry, or having a ‘chat’ with a social worker.

It’s one of the Mum’s superpowers…..

Calvin, your mom is an adult Susie! That’s two reasons for not trusting her!!

If this was published on 9/11, the first panel would have a very different meaning

Ears like an eagle.

I firmly believe my folks heard everything I said, they just ‘listened’ when it might cost them money and responded when it might save someones life. Not necessarily mine, but usually mine.

but feel free to inhale the pesticide

Uh oh, now they will be monitoring all his communications

Mom knows the first 2 not realistic, the last real.

Sure you can. You just found out.

Terrorist? You mean anyone who disagrees with the current administration?

Heh, it’s kind of like a reworking of this earlier strip… https://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/2021/05/04

That’s how you tell if they’re a good parent.

What are those twisty-turny knobby things on the tv?

If Calvin had said any of that today, he would have been sent off for psychological testing and heavily medicated. Sad truth.

“You never can tell whether or not she is listening.”