Raising boys

'Raising boys' is the title of a book by Steve Biddulph. Highly recommended!

My son Thomas is at the stage where he is educating me, instead of the other way round.
As he is becoming increasingly independent, I asked him 'How would you feel if I went to the gym for one or two hours in the weekend?', adding 'as you're such a big boy now' (turning the question into a decidedly 'leading question').
Thomas did not hesitate for one second. His reply was clear: 'I wouldn't like it at all, that's not cosy, I don't want it.' When he saw my disappointed face he said: 'well, mom, if you don't want something, you should not ask it.'
Right, I'll try to remember that.