It was an outbreak of biblical proportions! Even as my wife was saying the word ‘Chickenpox’, her tone spoke of the Plague or Bird Flu and my job was simple: rescue our 11 month old son from the incubator of disease we called Childcare!

In truth, one of the other kids had shown up with spots. But us first time parents panic about everything, so I excused myself from work and raced to save my boy. And I couldn’t go fast enough. I wanted a siren or flashing lights. I wanted to stick my head out the window and shout, “Come on people – out of the way! This is CHICKENPOX!”

As I scooped Theo into my arms – Daddy the Hero – his Carer asked me, “Have you ever had them?”

“Dunno,” I told her.

“Because it’s pretty serious for grown men. It can turn into shingles and cause impotence.” This did not make me feel better.

We sought advice, my wife and I. And here’s what we found out:

Forget about Labour and National, put Winston to one side and recycle the Greens – there is a new force for parents this election year and it is called, the Chickenpox Party.

Here’s how it works: One of the most likely things in the world is that, as a parent, you will at some stage have to deal with Chickenpox. And the earlier your child gets the disease the better- for them and for you. As babies, Chickenpox is merely a few spots, a bit of scratching and in a few days it’s over. As older children it becomes more of an issue.

So – when your child has Chickenpox, the thing to do is invite every parent you know to bring their kids over for a baby knees up. That way all the kids get it, and they all move on quickly. And, likewise, if a friend tells you that their child has chickenpox, suggest that your kids get together and play.

By the way: it’s absolutely true that as an adult male you do NOT want to catch Chickenpox. So if you have not had it – don’t go to such a soirée. In fact, book a hotel and get as far away from your son or daughter as you can until it’s gone.

Now – if you are invited to a Chickenpox party, I suggest you take this week’s recipe along with you. Parents and children alike will love it and it’s fun to make with the kids.

To make the ‘Blokes Who Bake’ Fudge Cake you’ll need two packets of Superwine biscuits.

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