Rules of the Game

Based on the story, what are the “rules” of the relationship between Waverly and her mother? Can you identify rules for Mother-Daughter Relationships in general? To what extent are such rules tied to culture?

Teaching Suggestion: During discussion, compose a class list of relationship rules written as if for a board game. Then, discuss which rule(s) Waverly breaks and the consequences of her actions.

Differentiation Suggestion: To engage English learners, introduce the idiom “not on speaking terms,” meaning “being so angry with someone that you won’t talk to them.” Then ask why Waverly and her mother are not on speaking terms.