Dear Popo:
Those parents that say you should never lie to your children must have kids who do what their told the first time they're asked, move at a normal adult pace and never repeatedly ask "why" to the same question.
I can tell you I have lied to my son multiple times in the short time he's been with us. Though I'm not setting a good example I understand he is 3 and has no way of knowing whether I'm telling the truth. Part of me dreads the moment he turns 5 and starts understanding more things.
So far I have told my son the following:
- Mom doesn't have to eat carrots because she is allergic to them. Surprisingly I'm only allergic to raw carrots, whatever it is that makes me sick cooks out of them.
- In the mornings we need to hurry so Dad can get to work on time. If he isn't on time he could be fired.
- Eli is growling because he thinks I'm hurting you. He's trying to protect you. (No, Eli is growling because he's trying to figure out if he can eat you.)
- At 4:00 the zoo lets all of the animals out of their cages. So, if we don't leave now we'll probably be eaten.
- We don't have any batteries, we'll get them next time we're at the store. (No, sorry - we are never buying batteries for that loud and obnoxious toy you have. I will tell you they no longer make batteries before I actually buy them for your toy.)
- No, I'm not eating your Halloween candy.
Love,
Kiki
