I go on an annual hiking and camping trip with a bunch of about 20-30 other people
In which my sister and her family are included.

Early one evening everyone was sitting around the fire, and my sister and her then 6yo son were sitting opposite me on the other side. We were discussing food, and it's place in the family, and how the kids were getting along.

"John's very good, aren't you John?" said my sister, "You like salad, don't you?"

John nodded and smiled shyly.

"And you like tomatoes, don't you?" she led.

Again the nod and smile.

"And cucumbers?"

Nod and smile.

"John - it's your birthday soon, isn't it?" I asked.

This time a more enthusiastic nod and smile.

"Well, John - legally speaking - this is law, this is - you can do anything you want on your birthday, and mum and dad can't tell you off for it, because it's your birthday, and they have to let you do whatever you want to do" I instructed him, to his very great interest.

"So ... do you like pancakes, John?"

A very enthusiastic nod and a broad grin this time.

"Pancakes with lots of butter on, and perhaps some jam? Maple syrup?"

Independent of the conversation, the resultant nodding and smiling would perhaps be perceived as psychotic.

"Well then, make sure you have pancakes for your breakfast lunch and tea."

The collective intake of breath from all the parents present was absolutely musical.
( Je suis un vagabond is an unfunny, up your own arse middle class knob, Fri 17 Jun 2011, 12:17, 4 replies)

um, i don't get it.
can you explain please.
( disasterprone "Pyjamas caused the Holocaust", Fri 17 Jun 2011, 14:01, closed)

It's probably because you're either ugly, don't have good personal hygeine, or both.

( Je suis un vagabond is an unfunny, up your own arse middle class knob, Fri 17 Jun 2011, 14:08, closed)

Me neither... and I'm a gorgeous smelling fittie.
( GeordieJay Bummers are deaf, Fri 17 Jun 2011, 16:53, closed)

Methinks
'Tis the classic setup for a fall:

- Birthday Boy expounds upon his love for pancakes, expecting a remuneration in kind from his folks in honour of his birthday;
- aforesaid folks encourage him enthusiastically to indulge in his passion for pancakes, rather than furnishing the pertinent pancake pleasures themselves. Laissez-faire family microeconomics at its finest.
( .Yeti., Fri 17 Jun 2011, 17:44, closed)