"Momma, no!" The child's wails rose above the din in the store:

Mothers and children were everywhere, shopping for school clothes. Small children, too little to be involved in the hunt, ran amuck between display racks. Long lines stretched outside the fitting rooms, where impatient shoppers waited their turn to try on clothes. I understand a mother's frustration over a task that must be done.

The young boy's voice increased in volume, "But I don't want to!"

I couldn't hear the mom's response.

By now the little guy was sobbing, "Please don't make me!"

This time I heard the mother's impat...