Darryl thought his friend Julia had such a cool mother. She would drive Julia and Darryl anywhere they wanted to go: movie theaters, swimming pools, ice cream shops. Darryl's own mother worked in a laboratory all day, doing research. Even on weekends, she buried her nose in science books. Darryl loved the way his mom could explain mysterious things about the universe and always had interesting trivia to share. But sometimes he wished he had a mom who was a little more . . . well, fun. One Saturday, Julia and her mom picked up Darryl at his house. They were all going to a big amusement park. Darryl said goodbye to his mom, who was reading.
"Isn't your science project due Monday?" she asked him.
"It's almost done," Darryl said, walking out the door.
At the amusement park, Julia's mom treated them to popcorn and fried dough. They all dared each other to go on the fastest, most dizzying rides in the park. They laughed and screamed all day long. Darryl had a blast.
Darryl woke up with a splitting headache Sunday morning. He groaned at the thought of finishing his science project. He heard his mother making breakfast, the same breakfast she made every Sunday: a vegetable omelet and fresh fruit. Usually Darryl wanted a doughnut for breakfast, but the thought of more junk food made him queasy. His mother's healthy cooking and quiet, studious ways were just what he needed after such a loud and busy day.
After he ate, his mother helped him finish his science project. When Julia called later, asking Darryl if he wanted to come by, he said no. Maybe next weekend he would be ready for more fun, but not now.
Which of the following best describes the main theme or lesson of the story?