Bribery at the W.I

I had been asked to speak at Earlsdon's W.I meeting about Beyond the Blitz. I knew I'd be there for over an hour and obviously with it being on a Thursday had to take Tilly with me.

I'd told Tilly about where we were going, that I had to talk to ladies and that she had to be well behaved. Only yesterday, Nicki was saying that many people's bad food habits come from bribes as children, if you are good, you can have sweets etc. So I bribed her with a trip to the park.

I took crayons, a puzzle book, a drink, raisins and crossed my fingers.

There were about 30 women there. This is the same group that wanted young mums but didn't want them to bring their children, so I was a little anxious that Tilly would misbehave.

We went and decamped in the corner and for nearly an hour, Tilly sat quietly on the floor, close to my leg, colouring in and doing her puzzles. Every so often she'd look up and smile. At one point she started to sing, which although sweet was not great timing (CD of the Blitz stories was being played). I put my finger to my lips and she stopped instantly.

In the end I was there an hour and half. Tilly was a little angel and I was extremely proud.

The chair of the W.I asked how old she was and commented how well behaved she was. They were quite shocked when they heard she was only 2 and a half. As soon as we came out, Tilly asked if we could go to the park.

I love my little girl. It is days like today when she makes me sooo proud.