(I wrote this for my son’s school after the 2008 Earth Hour on his school teacher’s request for feedback. This was the first Earth Hour we participated in.)

When my son's preschool sent an email encouraging us to involve the kids in the Earth Hour, I wondered how to get through the sixty whole minutes with the kids “in the dark”? I decided to we could have a candle light dinner, so that the kids could do something and would not get restless. I had a word with 4yr old DS, to prepare him but he was ready, “Ms.F told me oready*,” he announced proudly.

A Letter to my Daughter

Dear Dotty,

U hate my Nagging. I know that. U think it is the worst thing on earth. I know that too. U think that it is my favorite time-pass. I know that . But that is not why I do it. Read on …

U see, Nagging is a part of the job description of a mom. As a mother, I find it the most effective tool, in getting things done. The fear that “Oh no, I don’t clean up, she will get started again. And God knows when it will stop….”, is an extremely powerful motivator. Fear of nagging will empower U to overcome ur laziness to do ur work, temptations to watch the idiot box, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. Just picture this - ur mind flashes the image of mummy (monster) in full nagging mode, triggers u into action mode and viola ! the seemingly impossible work is done.

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.