At the end of my patience, I thought of a subtle solution.

I studied the situation, looking for a way to influence things indirectly.

Then I leaned my seat back abruptly — spilling my juice all over the mother’s lap.

She jumped up, furious, shouting in surprise. The boy froze instantly under her glare, wide-eyed and silent.

He didn’t kick again.

The rest of the flight passed in almost total silence.

And for the first time that day, I could finally relax — undisturbed.