When I say I love being a parent, I certainly don’t mean to give you the impression that I am in any way effective at it. I tell my kids to do things. But they say, “No.” And so I have been reduced to threats, fear and intimidation. I have become a small-time mob boss around my house. I figure out what they like, and then I threaten to hurt those things. “I notice you’re becoming quite fond of that little stuffed Curious George that sits in the corner of your room. It would certainly be a shame if something were to suddenly happen to him.
