I'm going to pretend like I haven't been gone for a while, so we can get right to catching up. These next jump right into my sharing the first of several bedtime vignettes:
Me: Look. If you want me to lay here with you for a few minutes, you need to at least act like you're trying to fall asleep.
Son: OK. But, can we just talk about our day first?
Me: No!
Son: Mama? You know Mrs. S., the other first grade teacher across from my class?
Me: Go to sleep!
Son: She's like the Tooth Fairy!
Me: Really? How's that?
Son: When she pulls kids' teeth out, she doesn't even hurt them! I think she gets paid extra for that!
Me: Is that right?
Son: D. (his 13-year-old cousin) says that the Tooth Fairy isn't real; that really your parents gently sneak under your pillow and put the money there. *Pause*
Me: Um...well...what do you think? *eyes shifting guiltily from side to side*
Son: I think she's wrong, because I don't think parents have enough money to pay for all those teeth!
Me: That's a good point!
Son: Besides, if it was parents, they would just tell you...If they were honest...
And, thus began my agonizing over when to confess what I really know. Ultimately, I decided on "never"...taking this one to my grave. Tonight, he sleeps anxiously, waiting for a bunny to bring him candy and Pokemon cards in a pastel basket.
