Black & White

"Look Charlie, Mum's bought us ALL new toothbrushes!"
"YAY! - Thanks Mum for the new toothbrush. AND new toothpaste!"

I continue folding laundry feeling slightly bemused but smug that my children can be delighted so easily. "You are very welcome" I call back.

"But *I* wanted the green one, Teddy!"
"I got here first so I get to choose."
"But I ALWAYS have blue."
"You like blue. Blue is your favourite colour."
"No it isn't. I HATE blue. I've NEVER liked blue."
"Well, that's just your tough luck." (whispered... obv)
"And I hate YOU. You are the worst brother ever!"
"OWWWWWWW! There was NO need to PUNCH me!"
"MUUUUUUUUUUUURM!!!!!" (duet)

Come down here please - with your toothbrushes.
"But Muuurm, HE..." (duet)
I don't want to know. Give me your toothbrushes, please, and we can sort it out sensibly.

Toothbrushes handed over with pouts and killer glances.

Right - off you go upstairs and brush your teeth.
"But you haven't given us our toothbrushes back"
I know. They are bad toothbrushes. I'm very sorry I bought them for you. I didn't realise. You can both share mine.

"But it's PINK!!!" (duet)

"OK Charlie - you can have the green one..."
"Thanks, Teddy."

Life is so much easier in black and white. Being a parent is the hardest job I've ever done. Being a single parent can be soul-destroying at times: I do miss having someone to reassure me that I've done the right thing or that it will be easier tomorrow. But at least I get the breaks, and I get the boys back again when I'm all dug out/played out/read out and generally refreshed.

I'm VERY lucky.

(V - thank you x)