The turning point came about a week after my little experiment began. Mark had just been sent to the time-out corner for complaining about the two-hour screen time limit. He sat there seething as I calmly set the timer in the kitchen.
‘This is ridiculous!’ – he exclaimed. ‘I’m a grown man, for God’s sake!’
I raised an eyebrow. ‘О? Are you sure about that? Because grown men don’t make their kids sleep on the floor so they can play video games all night.’
He deflated a little. ‘Okay, okay, I get it! I’m sorry!’
I studied him for a moment. He looked genuinely remorseful, but I wasn’t about to let him off the hook when I had one last punch left.
‘Oh, I accept your apology,’ I said sweetly. ‘But I’ve already called your mum…’
The colour faded from his face. ‘You didn’t call.’
As expected, there was a knock on the door. Opening it, I saw Mark’s mum looking like a disappointed parent.
‘Mark!’ – She said as she entered the house. ‘Did you really make my sweet children sleep on the floor so you could play your little games?’
Mark seemed to want the floor to open up and swallow him whole. ‘Mummy, it’s not…’ ‘I don’t…’
She looked at me, her expression softening. ‘Sarah, honey, I’m so sorry you had to face this. ‘I thought I raised him better than this.’
I patted her hand. ‘It’s not your fault, Linda.’ ‘It’s just that some boys take longer to grow up than others.’
Mark’s face was beet red. ‘Mum. Please. ‘I’m thirty-five years old!’
Linda ignored him, turning to me again. ‘Well, don’t worry. I’ve cleared everything out of my schedule for next week. I’ll get this boy in shape in no time!’
As Linda left for the kitchen, muttering about the state of the dishes, I caught a glimpse of Mark. He looked utterly defeated.
‘Sarah,’ he said quietly. ‘I’m really sorry. I was selfish and irresponsible. It won’t happen again.’
I softened a little. ‘I understand, honey. But when I’m not home, I need to know you’re in control. Boys need a father, not another playmate.’
He nodded demeaningly. ‘You’re right. ‘I promise to be better.’
I grinned and kissed him briefly. ‘I’m sure you will. Now, why don’t you help Mum do the dishes? If you do a good job, maybe we can have ice cream for dessert.’
Mark left for the kitchen and I felt a little smug. I hoped I had learnt my lesson. If not, I still had a time-out corner at the ready.