I’m afraid I have lost access to that all important switch that enables one to successfully fulifil the roles of parent and partner independently.
“How many times have I asked you not to do that?”
“Right, I’ve had enough! Can you please try and do that more quietly?”
I’m fearful that if I can’t find the switch soon, I may be threatening my husband with the naughty step or no dessert! And it is when I’m in the furrowed-brow, teeth-clenched, angry-voice zone that I fail to switch. I just see red and the lense doesn’t change colour regardless of who I’m viewing. What’s even more frightening is that there appears to be a direct link to my husband’s circuit, and it seems that my parenting approach flicks his red lenses too..and then it’s all on! But I don’t think all is lost…yet. When I start trying to teach my husband the alphabet and talk to my three year old about finances, I will know that the switch has disappeared for good.
The multi-faceted role that is parenthood involves fine wires, complex electricals and the possiblity, if you’re not careful, of many short-circuits. If I was an electrician I would advise myself to slow down, carefully examine the wires before acting or reacting and stand well back if I bypass that advice. And I would charge a fortune as well.
