Tom was a very badly behaved lad. Dick was frankly a demon. Their parents were careful to keep quiet when they were in the cradle.

Harry’s parents were forever playing their Rod Stewart records. He was a very well-balanced child.

Perhaps if you spare the Rod you spoil the child.

Derek McMillan is a writer in Durringon in the UK. His editor is his wife, Angela. He has written for print and online publications in the UK, USA and Canada. His latest book is the audio-book Brevity which is available on eBay. Check it out.