“Take out the Spiderman book today!” yells my younger son. “No,
let’s read Hulk”, counters his elder brother. This nightly ritual in our home
is a daily negotiation for the bed-time story my sons and I read together once
they are tucked in for the night. Of this hour-long event, the first crucial 20
minutes determines super hero selection. The negotiations begin amicably
enough, with strong undercurrents of politicking, bribery and cross-influencing.
Just when the dealings start bordering on outright violence, I use my veto
power and decide on a third candidate (Captain America, arise!) who will grace
our story session this time.
