Building Character...One Day at a Time

I'm feeling a little listy lately. (OK, so listy is probably not a real word. But who cares? Besides, I've discovered a real freedom in creating your own vocabulary. P.S. George W. - I get you.)

Like any parent, I try to protect my children from the un-niceties (ooooh, there's another good one) of life. However, lately I've come to realize the small disappointments they experience now may help them later on in life. It was still sad-the first time their sweet little faces frowned when they learned:

1. Mail order and/or Happy Meal toys are junk.
2. Banks /ATMs only give you YOUR OWN money.
3. The food at some restaurants never tastes as good as the pictures look.

But because I've tried to go the "extra mile", I now relieve my conscience of any of the following "character builders" I've bestowed upon my children:

1. Just because mommy works at a hospital doesn’t mean she’s a doctor. I never told you that, but I didn't correct you either.
2. No, the cashier at the store (with the candy aisle) doesn't really know that you didn't eat your supper.
3. Mommy's special kisses on your eyelids probably don't make you fall asleep faster.
4. There aren't really video cameras hidden in the house - BUT I STILL KNOW when you're lying!
5. Yes, you have actually eaten Bambi before.
6. Mommy and daddy save all the good snacks for after you go to bed.
7. The goldfish you loyally loved was actually reincarnated 6 times.
8. The "medicine" that made your tummy feel better (when I knew you're delaying bedtime) was really watered-down koolaid. But it was so convincing in a medicine cup.
9. Cops don't really take kids to jail for arguing in the car.
10. Mommy really did eat the last brownie.

Whewwww. It does make me feel better that I haven't really been lying, just helping them prepare for the bigger disappointments they will unfortunately experience someday in their life. To start with.... that noisy toy that we've been looking so desperately for .....ummmm.....


P.S. For all of my family members out there, my sister started helping me compile some of our favorite Tom-isms (hilarious - but that unfinished list is for a later post).