What did desperate mothers do before You Tube?

My son has bounced off the walls and attacked every one of momma's precious book shelves. Nothing in the house is interesting enough. Everything that has been presented for his enjoyment has been summarily tossed aside in disgust by the Little Prince. Life is tough for a nearly 18 month old.

The following conversation, and I use that term loosely, ensues:

Me: "OK! I get it--You want to go out! But, mommy's on a little thing  called "pelvic rest" (don't ask.) AND I'm on deadline!"

Little Prince: Recalcitrant stare. "Bye-Bye!"

Me: "Well I'm sorry, but, no, uh-uh, not going to happen, give it up, play with your toys, look at YOUR books! (in my mother's voice) The world does NOT revolve around you, learn to entertain yourself! Go torture the cat, again, but gently ( I know there is an inherent contradiction here, this isn't logical for pete's sake!)"

Little Prince: "Bye-Bye!Bye-Bye!"

(Book sails past my head)

Me: (Weakly) "How about watching some animals on You Tube?"

(Imagining American Academy of Pediatrics white coat frowning at me with derision and disapproval)

However there have to be limits; especially when one finds oneself sharing snacks and watching Japanese potty training clips together.