[It’s the holidays. I am trying to sit and read a book, while others LEGO around me.]
Mummy. Could you read to me?
I don’t think I will right now, Bean. I’m quite interested in my own book.
That’s what I meant. Could you read your book out loud to me?
My book is about families with children who are very different than their parents. Right now I’m reading a chapter about schizophrenia – which is a kind of mental illness. It’s very tough on everyone.
Ooooh. Could you read to me about schizophrenia?
OK. [I take a moment to recap the chapter so far]
Mummy. Could you start reading from the actual book?
[We go on to read about 50 pages – and I know I haven’t heard the last of this…]
Whither Earthlings 