Field Trips
I hate field trips. I’m simply not a kid at heart. Several years ago, I brought my sons to a neighborhood birthday party for one of their little friends. There was a bouncy house. Normally I love bouncy houses because it gives the helicopter parents like me a chance to slip a few feet away to the adult drinks table and relax while still being able to keep a close eye on the kids, who are having a blast with friends while getting some good old-fashioned exercise. However, this day, one of the parents tried to grab my arm. “Come on, Lisa!” she said. “Let’s get in!” I recoiled. "Yuck," I replied. “Why?” She gave an exasperated puff. “Because bouncy houses are so fun !” “Erm…no thanks,” I said. “I’ll be over here at the wine slushy table with the other sensible adults.” She stood there for a few moments looking at me, willing me to come with her, but when she saw that I was rooted to my spot, unblinking, and that I would last longer in...