‘If you don’t put your coat and shoes on NOW I will send you to school without them,’ I bellowed.

‘FINE!’

‘Fine.’

Jesse stepped out on to the pavement in his grey school socks with only his royal blue sweater to shield him from the bitter January cold. I hesitated at the front door.

‘It’s really cold,’ I declared, trying hard to disguise my dispair. ‘Are you sure, Jesse?’

‘Yes. I’m NOT putting my shoes on. So there!’

‘OK then.’ I turned the key in the door and began walking slowly behind the children. Izzy peered over her shoulder and flashed me a look of disbelief, visibly shocked by my sudden determination to follow through on such a threat.

‘How are your feet Jess, cold yet?’ I asked, desperately hoping he’d have a change of heart before we started bumping into other parents and their children.

‘No, they’re not cold,’ he replied stubbornly.

In my mind I attempted to put a positive spin on the situation. I’m glad my son knows his own mind; I doubt he’ll ever allow himself to be bullied into doing something he doesn’t really want to. Stubbornness can be a good trait in a person, can’t it? He’ll probably make a really good leader one day. Or something like that.

The pavement was damp and I watched as his socks grew soggier with every step. He seemed less cheerful all of a sudden, as the reality of his actions slowly began to dawn on him. School was around the next corner and the pavement was soon awash with Jesse’s peers.

I felt his tiny hand in mine.

‘Mummy, can you carry me?’

‘No,’ I responded, determined to match his stubbornness. He was silent for a few moments as he pondered his next move.

‘Mummy, I think I would like my shoes and coat on now,’ he whispered. ‘I’m sorry Mummy. I won’t do it again’.

I hoisted him up on to a nearby wall and retrieved his clothes from my handbag. I looked at his tiny face as I peeled off the wet socks and warmed his feet between my hands. He grinned back at me, his eyes full of mischief. I marvelled at how boring life would be without him. Simpler, less stressful and a whole lot easier, but boring nonetheless.

Love Audrey xxx