"Quiet" Game

If you ever drive four noisy children in car, you have to mediate the heated arguments, which often intensify into “war”, while keeping eyes on the traffic and drive according to rules; you will appreciate my following piece of advice.

For years, I am dreadful to take long drive with children, simply because they make too much noise in the car. For my sanity and safety of all, I only drive maximum two at a time.

Yesterday, my husband promised children to bring them to Night Safari, A kind-hearted Daddy as he is; he makes a lot of promises. I was happily planning a quiet night all by myself. Maybe a book, a cup in hand and relaxing in quietness that would be so COOL.

“Please Mummy, come with us, how can I leave you at home ALONE.” Stephen begged me.

The others also joined him, “Please Mummy, it will not be fun without you.”

Wow, suddenly, I became important! Quite flattered, I agreed to go with them. From home to Night Safari is a half-hour drive. As soon as we stepped into the car, I started to regret, for the unbearable noise started too.

“Everyone listen.” My husband called out, “If you guys can keep quiet for two minutes, you will get two dollars each.”

Four of them immediately agreed. “Now start” I kept the watching. Oh, how nice is the quietness.

“Time up” I announced.

“Wow, that was easy.” Children shouted.

“Ok, want to get higher prize? If you can keep five minutes quiet, you all will get a scope Ben & Jerry icecream.” My husband added.

“Ok” They were all for it.

Quiet again, not single sound, except Stephen’s a few pretending cough.

Five minutes passed like bliss.

“Great children, you have done a great job. So you ARE ABLE to keep quiet. Now if you are willing to keep quiet for 10 minutes, you will win a tram ride at the zoo.”

“Sure”, “No problem”, “Let’s do it.”

It seemed easier than they thought. This time no one made any sound, we were all enjoying the background music and cool night ride. By the ten minutes were up, we almost arrived at the zoo.

“So children, who can tell me the meaning of this game?” my husband asked.

Paul first, “Daddy uses prize to trick us to keep quiet.”

“But it was not tricks, you were able and willing to keep quiet, weren’t you.”

Prisca said, “It seems faster reaching to the zoo when we are quiet.”

“That’s right, it is faster and smoother journey ,isn’t it?”

Later, children got their prize, ice-cream and tram ride. We were pleasantly surprised to find out that tram ride is free to members on weekday.

On the way home, my husband challenged them, “Now, who can keep all the way quiet wins a big prize.”

That was nicest half hour drive I ever had, we were able to see the sparking, beautifully decorated Christmas light on Orchard Road, while immersing in celestial music. I am sure children were enjoying too.