There was a study about how often judges awarded parole to their inmates. Interestingly the frequency was highest immediately after a lunch, and gradually declined until it arrived at zero just before the dinner. 

 

This has application to my own decision making.  John and I are as vulnerable to wobbly judgment as the next couple. Whether we have had enough sleep, or a meal that is more sustaining than a brownie and popcorn has an impact on whether we are operating on full brain power.

 

It can be tricky to have the objectivity to know that our thinking is compromised, especially if our thinking is compromised. Perhaps a couple can build up enough history to trust each other when one of them suggests that they sleep on it, or eat on it. 

 

The year that my twins were born my parenting levels took a sharp dive. Zack was only seven, and yet I could not rouse myself from a night punctuated with nursing two babies to get up to make him a sandwich. He made his own. Or not. Eventually his teacher called to ask if I was aware that the only thing he had for lunch was gummi bears. She suggested that this could have a negative impact on his ability to spell. 

 

Ya think?