At tuck ins.
Me: “You are a really great kid. You’re good at gymnastics, and spelling and math and reading and writing, and you’re funny and smart and hard working – when you want to be. I’m very proud to be your dad.”
Little Miss Thing, age 6: “Yeah, I thought so.”
Wonderful Wife: “What’s wrong, Honey?”
Little Miss Thing, age 6: “Those girls won’t let me be the Mommy.”
WW: “Well, playing is all about compromise. Even when you have employees, yes they technically have to do what you say, but you still try to compromise to keep everyone happy. And you definitely have to compromise when you’re playing.”
LMT: “OK.”
WW: “So do you know what you need to do?”
LMT: “Yes – I need to pay them so they have to do what I say.” (runs off)
WW: (slow blink) “That was NOT the lesson I was going for.”
In the grocery check out lane with the kids.
Little Miss Thing, age 6: “Can I have this gum? (No) Can I have this candy? (No) Can I have that umbrella?”
Me: “No. Look, you have got to stop asking me to buy everything you see.”
LMT: “Can I have this building?”
Me: “Yes, I will buy the building for you.”
LMT, to cashier: “OK, I’m in charge of you now.”
Cashier: “Wha…?”
Very Vocal Viking 