Sponges.

It is fair to say that in our house, Hubby is not the most hands on parent.  He is quite strict with the kids on the whole but also has a knack of winding them up at the most inopportune moments.  On a morning, we usually leave the house before he does - but quite often he'll come to the garage door to see us off.  More often than not, he'll say to Mac; " Be good now Mac - and if you can't be good, be bad EARLY!'

I always glare at him when he says this as it is a bloody stupid phrase and also I could well be on the receiving end of the 'bad early' part.  There are many other unsuitable phrases hubby uses and when the kids are out of the way I remind him that they are like sponges - taking it all in, and that if they repeat it at school there'll be trouble and HE can go and see the Principle about it (being THE Catholic parent out of the 2 of us - for the Catholic school).

Should add that Mac was already in trouble from the 2 1/2 days of school last week - he'd been messing about and had all of this week's recesses taken off him - which really doesn't seem to bother him at all - he told me, that's only 5 days.

Today I was at school, in the office, dropping Paddy off after a morning dental appointment - and in comes Mac - again in trouble for messing in the Library.  His teacher is there with him and tells him to explain to me why he was in trouble.  Hands gesticulating wildly (but sure he has no Italian in him) - he tells me how he'd been messing in a very matter of fact way.  He has not been allowed to take a Library book out this week and I tell him that it will be straight to bed tonight - no actual reading of stories even.  He looks a tiny bit put out - then starts to explain himself;

"Well I was only naughty in the Library this morning because Dad always says be bad EARLY!"

The colour drains from my face and I think 'oh Shit.'

His teacher turns to me raising her eyebrows and I proceed to explain this joke expression whilst thinking 'I will bloody kill him' (Hubby, not Mac).

"Well maybe it's not the best thing your dad can say to you..." she declares.  My sentiments entirely.

Mac was in bed and asleep by 6pm tonight.  Maybe more sleep is the answer here - or a letter from Santa about Mac's behaviour. 

And Hubby will be dropping the kids off at school one day this week to apologise to the teacher.  At the age of 40.

Honestly.