LOVE being invited to playdates. HATE going empty handed. So, out of sheer pride we started baking - from scratch mind you - brownies - in 30C heat – on a sunny July afternoon - for the playdate. Why not bring fruit?...you ask. Yes, of course we will bring fruit - but silly me thought a treat of brownies would be fun too. Could have gone to the store you say. Yes. Again, there's that pride of mine.

Fast forward to Thing 2 measuring and stirring (well, I measure really) and Thing 1 reading the recipe. See, we make this not only a goodwill gesture but a reading and math lesson too (geez, someone should just take me for a coffee and talk some sense into me). It takes 30 minutes to bake the home-made-from-scratch brownies. Library reading club is in 50 minutes...we'll have...um...20 minutes to clean up and walk over. Not a problem.

Then, Thing 2 spills the whole beautiful bowl of melted butter on the floor. "GEEZ-US!" I bark in not very-not-happy growl. Funny how that was the reaction word that bounced out - I know many more - much richer - adult words. I digress.

Thing 2 shrinks down, shoulders up - absolutely mortified and scared.

Thing 1 glides in (and honestly this is what Thing 1 says); "Look at me. Breath. Look at me”. Thing 1 is kneeling; hands cupping Thing 2's face. “When your body does something you don't control it's an accident. If you put the bowl too close to the edge it's on purpose.”

Thing 1 spoke - as I speak when the kids have a nightmare. Thing 1 cupped hands to face - like I do when to comfort them when they cry. Thing 1 told Thing 2 to breath - as I do (as Thing 1 always has a nasty projectile vomit habit when upset).

My heart melted like the damned butter.
I am ever learning.
Accidents happen.
Schedules change.
Children are always listening.

Caroline Fernandez lives, writes and does laundry in Toronto, ON. Her writing credits include non-fiction magazine articles for children along with many web credits specializing on parenting and family life. Her popular blog; www.parentclub.ca is full of information and resources for your growing family.