Upon seeing an exclamation mark, Jackson points to it and asks, “What’s that?”
“An exclamation mark,” answers Jeremy.
“But what is it?” he asks again.
“It’s like a period,” says Jeremy, “but more exciting.”
…………………………………………….
For dessert last night, I gave each of the boys a small bowl of Lucky Charms. It’s a rare treat, so they get SUPER DUPER excited about it. After pouring some cereal into the bowls, I remark, “You know, I remember when the purple horseshoe was added to this cereal.”
“Whoa, really?” says Jeremy.
“When did they do that?” asks Jackson.
“When I was a kid. I remember the commercials,” I say.
“Wow,” says Jeremy. “That was so long ago.”
“Yeah, even before the internet.”
“BEFORE THE INTERNET?” says Jeremy, wide-eyed.
“Yep. Even before cell phones.”
“That’s like forever ago. These horseshoes are like ancient history.”
…………………………………………….
While Jeremy was in his Cub Scouts meeting last night, Jackson played on the playground outside the church building. I caught him being a little rough with some of the other boys, so I yanked him from the park and we hung out in the car instead. When we got home, we talked more about it.
“Jack, you cannot hit, kick or touch other kids on the playground. They don’t always know you’re just playing,” I explain.
“I’m sorry, Mom,” he says. This is the usual response.
“I know, but you continue to do it, which means it will be hard for you to play with other kids. You’re too rough,” I say. “I saw you kick those boys pretty hard!”
His eyes get big with worry.
“Did Dad see it?” he asks.
“What? No, he wasn’t there.”
Sigh of relief. “Good, but I don’t want to tell him.”