A few days ago, there was a “Jack Bunny” in the backyard that Q wanted to scare away. In true four-year-old form, he threw his sandal at it. Said sandal landed in the neighbour’s fenced-in yard – the neighbour who is never home.

Two days later, I took the kids to the store to get new sandals. Thankfully, they were all on clearance because it is so late in the season. As we were sifting through the limited selection, Q asked me what the bench said. “It says ‘Do not stand on bench’” I said. Without pause, Q climbed onto the bench, planted the bottom on his feet on it and squatted. “What?” he said “I’m not standing.”

Oh boy.

I’d like to say he doesn’t get that from me, but I’d be lying. He has sass to spare. I just hope it stays with him and he uses it to push back – against boundaries and barriers and systems that he deems unjust. I hope he squats in protest, not necessarily breaking the rules, but making a point.

Related: Wish us luck!