Q. As a child I largely complied with my parents'
wishes and there was no question of baiting them ad infinitum as my own children do me. In my day there was still the fear of smacking but, needless to say, my own children, a boy aged nine and a girl aged seven, have never been smacked. They do love each other and usually get on well, except during long journeys, when they fight like cat and dog. Over Easter I arrived at various destinations totally drained from breaking up fights. I am now developing travelphobia in anticipation of long journeys scheduled for the summer holidays. My husband, who has more control over them, will be travelling separately. Do you have any tips for making children behave during these interminable journeys?
S.A., London SW12 of the carriage and for yourself at the other. Your children will forget about winding you up because you will be out of sight, yet you can spring into action at the first sign of emergency. The faint insecurity engendered by being surrounded by strangers will ensure that they bond with each other and behave impeccably.
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