Keeping mum over toddler’s tantrums

The screaming got louder and louder, Her lungs were fit to burst, But screaming from this three-year-old Was going to get far worse. Her mother said: ‘Now, Monica, You really must calm down.’ They were shopping in the supermarket On the edge of town. Then going down the chocolate aisle, More screams began to grow. ‘There, there, Monica,’ her mother said, ‘Just two more aisles to go.’ At the check-out another tantrum, But her mother did not snap. She just said: ‘Monica, we’ll be home soon, You then can have a nap.’ The check-out assistant was impressed, She looked at the mother and smiled. The way she’d remained so very calm With such an unruly child. ‘You have such patience with Monica,’ she said, ‘I’d have gone insane.’ The mother said: ‘I’m Monica; My daughter’s name is Jane.’ Norman J. Myson, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex.