In case you ever wondered, children have no mercy with their parents. It’s simply not a part of their makeup. Once they get the upper hand, the idea of easing back doesn’t even come into their tiny little heads.

For example, we were finishing up breakfast the other day when C looked over at me and said “You don’t make mistakes!”

I couldn’t help it. I groaned. Ever since my big mistake of a couple weeks ago, I’ve been hearing variations of “Daddy, you make mistakes!” almost every time I turn around.

So, lacking any better response, I stuck my tongue out at him and continued eating my cereal.

He laughed. “No, I said you don’t make mistakes!”

“Not usually,” I agreed tentatively, trying to regain some ground.

“Skittles for me!” He shouted, holding out his hand and smiling triumphantly.

Merciless, that’s what they are. Absolutely merciless.