Keeping it light

I was in the supermarket last week, following a Dad and his badly behaved Master 3 around the aisles. Master 3 was trying all the tricks in the books to get the packet of lollies that his life so desperately depended on. Begging, screaming, demanding, sobbing, threatening....all very familiar strategies in my house.

I over heard Dad, in his most controlled voice, say "Easy now William, we won't be long".

Of course no words of reason would calm Master 3 and the hysteria continued. At one stage I double checked just to ensure his left arm hadn't been sawn off with a blunt saw, as it wouldn't have been surprising given the shrieks coming from his little body.

Dad continued "Just a couple more minutes William, then we will be out of here, hang in there mate".

At the checkout, it was obvious Master 3 had progressed to melt down stage as I witnessed the loaf of country white together with a freshly baked sponge cake fly from the trolley. Dad maintained such control even when the 6 pack of sorbent skimmed across the head of the register assistant, muttering only words of control "Relax William, it's okay mate, just relax. Don't get upset, we will be home soon. It's okay William, it's okay".

Impressed by such control, I approached Dad in the car park to commend him on his outstanding control given Master 3's impersonation of the devil incarnate.

"Excuse me, I don't mean to intrude, I just wanted to say how impressed I am by your level of control in dealing with William. He was doing such a good job at pushing your buttons and you kept your composure the entire time. You should be proud of yourself, and William is very lucky to have you as his Dad."

"Thanks!" replied Dad, "but I'm William, the little bastards name is Mathew!"