About a decade ago, Bill Cosby hosted a show called “Kids Say the Darndest Things.” On it, he would ask young children questions, to which they would offer cute and/or silly responses.
I was in college when the show aired, and thus I never got the attraction to children ... well, talking.
After spending some time with Penny and Rigby the past couple weeks, I am no longer skeptical about the power of a child’s word.
• Even when their words prove humorous, children have way more insight than they might be given credit for. Penny’s said that my belly is big, that her mother’s real name is “Tie Dye” because of her preferred choice of clothing and that Rigby’s recent haircut (his first) made him a “handsome dude.”
• Brevity also proves to be wit. While out dining on some soup recently, Penny let out a simple “mmm, it’s good” that, while sending Mommy and me into hysterics, said all that needed to be said.
And Rigby, like his father, practices reticence with his words. While cuddling with me one recent morning, his simple declaration of “I’m Rigby” perfectly wrapped up the sentiment. As for a departing uncle with whom he wanted more quality time one recent night, Rigby’s grimace and accompanying whimper proved sufficient to make his point, and cuddling ensued.
• Children don’t always have every answer, but their attempted responses to questions prove they’re trying. I asked Penny one day where I’d get the money to pay for a toy she saw on a commercial, and her response of “the lady” indicated that she connected a restaurant waitress (who takes the money) with giving us some cash in return. Similarly, “the lady” is the person who brings us food, water and anything else we need, regardless of where we might be. Oh, and every meal these days is “dinner.”
• To say a child’s mind is like a sponge is correct in a sense, but it’s not an entirely accurate simile because sponges often let go of some of the moisture they absorb. It only takes one viewing of a “Backyardigans” monster episode for her to begin calling for a “monster dance party” every half hour. Once the sun sets, she will tell anyone who will listen that it’s her bedtime because she goes to sleep when it’s dark, like Mommy said.
And once you tell her that we can do something, it’s a bond that’s tighter than the craziest Krazy Glue. We told her two days prior to our recent trip to select pumpkins at a local farm that we were going, and the following 48 hours were spent by her declaring “pumpkin pickin’ ” to everybody within earshot. She spent that entire day leading up to our visit expressing her desire to be picking pumpkins at that precise moment, and she proceeded to spend 90 minutes picking every single pumpkin they had (she also selected gourds for Mommy and Daddy; Rigby got to choose his own).
• Depending on the mood, Rigby is Penny’s brother, baby, baby doll or dude (she’s quick to correct claims that he’s our son). She has an uncanny knack for reading his mind, as she always knows when Rigby wants to eat, play in his bouncy seat, play in the crib with her, go outside or go bye-bye; coincidentally, they always want the same thing.
• Never, ever doubt your child’s intelligence. I came home from work one recent afternoon to briefly watch the kids while Mommy had an appointment to keep. While holding both of them, Penny asked me to “never go back to work again.”
Scooping my liquefied heart off of the carpet, I responded that work paid me to be there, and if I didn’t go we couldn’t buy the things we required in the house.
“Get Penny new shoes,” she replied. “Get Penny new prizes.”
“Yep,” I said, “and food, and clothes, and everything else we need.”
She paused. She grinned. She kissed me. She hugged me.
“Thank you, Daddy,” she said. “I love you.”
Kids say the most beautiful things.
Contact Paul Laneat 693-1000, ext. 116,or paul.lane@gnnewspaper.com.
Family
Related Photos
CRIB NOTES: From the mouths of babes
- Family
-
-
Family ties come in time
When it comes to genealogy, all you need to do sometimes is catch a break.
-
Imagination is a wonderful — and scary — thing
Tiger, squirrel, what's the difference when you're 2?
-
The law of conservation of energy — with kids
Watching the thundering herd pass us, the father shook his head ... and called to the children:
“How can you have so much energy when I’m so tired?”
We looked at each other and laughed, each then, perhaps, seeing our future in the tired parents. To this day, eight years later, there are still moments when we look at our kids, then each other, and repeat those words. -
Parenting can be easy to say but hard to do
The parental saying is so commonly used that it’s almost become cliché: “I would do anything for my children.”
But what they don’t tell you is that, some days, it’s harder than others to fulfill that mantra. -
Ol’ golden rule days truly are dear ... I suppose
Packing lunch boxes. Pre-arranging ever-so-cute outfits. Driving to early morning drop-offs. Selling chocolate to raise funds.
The school era in the Lane household has officially started. -
The one who’s left behind
School is back in session - but not for everyone.
-
Never too young to begin total recall of life
Most research on memory indicates that children don’t begin to permanently store information until at least age 3.
But what these researchers seemingly failed to take into account is the fact that there is no fury like a toddler girl scorned. -
My sons, the comedians
One of the most interesting things about being a parent, I’ve found, is watching fledgling senses of humor develop.
-
Who knows what lurks in the hearts of big sisters?
If Rigby has taught us nothing else, it's to always be on guard.
-
Indulge your toddler’s every fantasy at Sesame Place
We know how to get to Sesame Place.
- More Family Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
