Mom, I'm Not a Bad Kid

"I was born a chronic liar.

At least, that was the label my mother, Lydia, had given me.

Lydia believed in science-based parenting.

From the day my twin sister Jessica and I were born, she made us wear honesty bracelets.

Whenever we lied, the bracelet would flash red, and Lydia would press a remote to send an electric shock through it as punishment.

Jessica's bracelet was always green.

Even when she cut up Lydia's dress and claimed the cat had done it, her bracelet only glowed a gentle green.

But me?

Even if I only said, ""I'm hungry,"" my bracelet would instantly flash red."