They say that knowing you have a problem is half the battle. How about knowing you are the problem?

Last night at dinner, Bill and I were discussing children, in general, and difficulties, in general, about having them around.

“He’s not the problem,” I said, nodding in Pete’s direction. I didn’t say who was the problem, I didn’t even stare at the offending party or parties. But Bill and I traded knowing looks across the dining room table.

“I’m the problem,” said Jenny.

“Hmmm…do you think you might someday not be a problem?” I asked.

“Nope,” said Jenny.

Great. We may know we have a problem, but the problem is unwilling to change…and that’s a problem.