Small Talk

During a recent conversation with my grand daughter I was reminded of how wonderful and entertaining it is to have conversations with small children.  She and I were talking about her starting middle school in the fall and she asked me how it differed from elementary school.

I told her that I thought the academics were a little more difficult, but that she was very smart and didn't have to be concerned about that.  I also told her that the drama level for girls of middle school age was elevated and that if she had a secret, such as liking a little boy, she should trust no one, unless she wanted the information to be shared.  Finally I told her not to be surprised if the boys appeared to be a little more obnoxious.

As I finished the last statement, my grandson, Colton, who is five years old, spoke up.  He said "Gigi, boys can't be mean to girls. (he obviously could tell that obnoxious was a derogatory term).  I said they can't?  He said "No.  They can't hit girls, or fight girls, or wrestle girls.  They can only kiss them.".  At that point I just had to grab him and steal a hug and kiss of my own.  I said you are absolutely right Colton.

This little conversation with him reminded me of one I had years ago with his sister, Victoria.  She was five at the time also, and she was spending the night with me. We were getting ready for bed and she climbed up on the bed beside me, and she said "Mimi I want to tell you something."  (Colton calls me Gigi and Victoria calls me Mimi)  I said sure baby, you can tell Mimi anything..

She said "well, there is this boy in my kindergarten class at church named Harrison, and I think he's really cute.".  I paused and caught my breath and then I said I met Harrison at your Christmas party and he is a very cute little  boy.

Then she said "Yeah, but I'm not going to kiss him though."  After another gulp of air, I said your not?  She said "No..I'm not.  You've got to like them 100 to kiss them and I only like him 88."  

I just about cracked up, but instead I managed to say that it was very smart not to kiss him, and that 88 was definitely to far from 100 to even think about kissing him.   I then explained that she would probably be a whole lot older and closer to being married before she liked a boy 100.   I hugged and kissed her goodnight and she fell asleep.

when I was sure she was sleeping I called my daughter.  She said "hello.".  I said Amber, I am calling to let you know that there is about a twelve point differential between you and disaster over at the church.  "She said "Mother, what in the world are you talking about?."  I gave her a replay of the conversation Victoria and I had just had. and she said "Oh my God.  What am I going to do?"  I said nothing.  You don't have to do anything at all...weren't you listening?   She only likes him 88..."  She said "Mother I'm serious."  I said I am too.  I was laughing of course.

These priceless conversations are treasured moments in my life and I wouldn't take anything for them.  If you have children or grandchildren please do yourself and those children a favor and listen to them.  It is so worth it....Never forget they are amazing gifts from God and that we are beyond blessed to have them in our lives...

and always be available for "small talk"....