you get to tell your children things not to say, and then say them yourself.” That is what my youngest said to me while we were outside in the 98* heat working on her learning to roller blade. It was in response to when she fell so hard on her knees and then skidded forward a few inches. She looked at me with shock and relief and said, “oh, mom. i am so glad you made me wear these knee pads.”  Even though she bucked me, like a wild pony kicking at the gate to be let loose. to be freed. But i insisted, and she was thankful.

That is when i said, “Too bad they don’t make “butt” pads.” Her eyes got big, and she looked at me agast…”Mom, you don’t let us say that word.”  “I know”, i responded. “you’re right. it’s wrong.”  To which, she then told me why she could not wait to be a mom because basically to her,  you are then allowed to become a hypocrite.:)