BPE (Big Parent Energy)
Jo and I have a saying that we tell new parents: "you need to have BPE". The rules of the world were written without parents of new children in mind. So instead of uncomfortably trying to navigate a stroller down cafe stairs or how to sit in a crowded restaurant with two tired kids, make your own judgement. This works out a few ways:
- Demanding passerbys to help. I have never been turned down when I've asked someone to help me carry a stroller off a streetcare.
- Asking for something unconventional. Nora hangry? That means we need to get food into her, but she's probably not going to be courageous in her choices. So I'll get a half portion of this fancy pasta dish on your menu, but without any of the toppings. Also you serve flat white lattes? Cool, that means you can get us a glass of milk.
My favourite BPE moment was today, where after a 70m climb to the top of Lisbon in search of a great playground, we found a cute café that did a brunch. So we waltzed in and asked if we could just take the plates on a tray to the playground, with a promise not to steal them. If you don't ask, you can't get.
