Ever since my father lost a 2 year old Daniel for half an hour in Winchester city centre, he’s been fanatic about making sure the boys can look after themselves. Whilst I would fuss with Not Too High, or Hold My Hand, he’d undo my namby pambying and encourage them to be fearless.
Realised he had a point when Jamie was devastated at the prospect of his 10 year old brother travelling alone on a train. I learnt to drive a tractor at ten and my farmyard childhood varied from castrating lambs to chopping kale. So I was less worried for Daniel’s safety and more concerned that Jamie really DID think Daniel would be murdered, mugged or mutilated. Definitely too sheltered.
Now that the boys are almost his size, my father has stopped worrying about their physical safety and moved onto Life Skills. At first I thought he meant SAS stuff: skinning rabbits and making fire. Instead, he’s read an article extolling the importance of cutlery skills and he’s determined to ensure the boys can wield a fish knife.
The upshot of this is he wants to take them on some Fine Dining experiences. Okay with me, I think, envisaging some scrumptious puddings round the corner. Except he’s decided it should be a Boys Only affair and rather than me, he’ll invite my brother.
So now I’m worried. What sort of Life Skills necessitates Boys Only, especially as he thinks only 16 year old Daniel is ready? All I can say is that if he’s teaching him to roll fivers - with or without fish knife - to stick into dancing girls’ underwear, charity begins at home.
Just hope Daniel doesn’t mind that rather than dancing, I’m likely to be cooking, and being his mother, socks are more appropriate.
No comments:
Post a Comment