As a service project to master level Lindenwood students, this list is compiled to give you an idea of how to deal with my mother as a professor, the newest hiree teaching a library science course.
DO:
Ask her about her three wonderful kids (especially the middle child!)
DON'T:
Ask her about her cat. She doesn't have one and never will.
DO:
Ask her to explain Copyright law for the bizillioneth time.
DON'T:
Ask her if she wants a copy of some program you pirated from the internet the night before. Trust me, she won't take it. (For those who don't know, she is a secret member of the copyright police force.)
DO:
Bring in treats to win her favor.
DON'T:
Bring in health treats like apples or granola bars. (She would much rather have a sundae from Dairy Queen - take note: Strawberry)
DO:
Compliment her for her "teaching voice."
DON'T:
Compliment her for her "singing voice." (Trust me on this one (at least trust Paul Ray) You don't want her singing a solo there.)
DO:
Buy her snowmen and sunflower items during the appropriate seasons.
DON'T
Bring in an actual snowman into class (no bonus points there)
DO:
Ask her to do a cart-wheel.
DON'T:
Ask her to wheel you around in the shopping cart in the grocery store. (I think she got tired of that after Amy became 10. Amy is now 21.)
DO:
Call her respectable names such as "Professor" or "Mrs. Gibbs"
DON'T:
Call her "Saint Yvonne." That term is coined and reserved for her children and husband.
