A vowel makes all the difference

Our son, almost 4 years old, dug in his heels the other night over the topic of his mother's cooking. As soon as the plate of new potatoes, peas and carrots, and shredded beef was set before him, he replied with a vociferous "YUCK," drawing out the final sound as if he were practicing his Deutsche.

Mommy needed a rest from the tirade, and I obliged as she took our daughter for a bike ride (daughter in the trailer). Since Aden had failed to make progress on his dinner after about 30 minutes, he received the pre-announced one-way trip to bed. At 6:25. No AWANA. No dinner. No evening time with the family.

Through his hysterical pleas for mercy, I was sharing with him how rude it was to respond to mommy's hard work to provide him with good food by saying "YUCKKKKK," making sure to add the static to the "K" that he had intentionally drawn out.

His crying slowed a bit, and he managed to say between gasps. I didn't say "YUCKKKKKK," I said "ykkkkkkk." (Imagine the word sans vowel).

Had I only known.