This week's short story - Well played, Sunshine
Kids
Illustrative ad verbatim #12
J: What shall I be when I'm big? A: What do you want to be? J: Um... Maybe a wolf. A: A wolf? J: But how will I get all fluffy? [Pause] Or maybe a chin scientist. Or a builder. Or someone who makes sand. A: Would you like to have children, like me and … Continue reading Illustrative ad verbatim #12
On Obsolescence
As parents, we're slowly coming round to the idea of obsolescence, aren't we? By 'we', I mean of course those of us that are parents. And by 'obsolescence', I mean the process by which we do such a bang-up job that we render ourselves ever more useless to our progeny with every passing year; that … Continue reading On Obsolescence
Illustrative ad verbatim #11
J: [Running into the room holding a Lego Batman] I'm gon rescue you. D: Good, I could do with being rescued. Are you going to rescue me via the power of a big cuddle? J: No. Not gon rescue you. Gon put you in danger. D: Oh dear. How are you going to put me … Continue reading Illustrative ad verbatim #11
Illustrative ad verbatim #10
L: Do you think some people would die from a crushed bone? A: No. You probably wouldn't die from that. L: What about a falling off ear? A: No, probably not that either. Anyway, people's ears don't tend to just fall off. L: Well, my teacher's dog Sally only had half a tail. A: Really? … Continue reading Illustrative ad verbatim #10
Illustrative ad verbatim #9
[Sitting in the bottom bunk of the boys' bunk beds, with a blanket thrown over the top bunk to create a den.] J: We need that lion. D: OK. Isn't he a bit fierce to come in our den. J: No! He very friendly. D: OK. I'll get him. J: No! I'll get him. You … Continue reading Illustrative ad verbatim #9
Illustrative ad verbatim #8
[Parking car before swimming lesson] L: We can't actually park here. A: I know, but it'll be OK today. And anyway, there's nowhere else to park. L: Mm, but this is actually the company car park. A: Yes, but it's Sunday today, so they won't be using it. L: Well, OK. But if the company … Continue reading Illustrative ad verbatim #8
Illustrative ad verbatim #7
D: What's wrong? J: Dared. D: What are you scared of? J: Dared bear. D: You don't need to be scared of bears. We don't have any bears in this country anyway. Only in zoos. J: [Pointing towards back garden] Bear out there? D: No. There aren't any bears out there. J: [Thinks for a … Continue reading Illustrative ad verbatim #7
Illustrative ad verbatim #6
[During a thunder storm] L: I need to see some thunder. D: You mean lightning. You hear thunder. You see lightning. L: I need to see some lightning. Lightning always comes after thunder. D: The other way around. Thunder comes after lightning. L: No, it's the other way around. D: It's not. Lightning comes first, then … Continue reading Illustrative ad verbatim #6
Not (quite) everything can be our fault
Two kids in and I'm starting to feel that there are certain things over which you have no control. While it's empowering to think that you control the weather and mould the characters of your little sproglets, that your behaviour towards them has the consequence of their behaviour towards you, some things just don't fit … Continue reading Not (quite) everything can be our fault
