This weekend as I was strolling through the women’s underwear section of Target I spotted a mother and daughter deep in conversation.  As I got closer I could see that the girl was maybe 6 and she was very frustrated with her mom.  Then I heard the little girl say, “but why would you know what your boyfriend’s underwear look like?  I wouldn’t want to wear any boy’s underwear and why are they pink?”  Then the little girl turned around and said in a very exasperated tone, “I am just going to take a walk over here and think about this whole thing.”

As I passed them I couldn’t help but give a little chuckle at her questions and her mom’s face was blood-red.  She looked at me pleadingly and I said, “just wait.”  What I meant was, the questions only get more difficult from here so take a deep breath.  The mom who apparently was actually looking for a real answer started following me with her cart and said, “no seriously, should I just wait?  Is that what you are saying?  I should just wait on this whole conversation that I am having in my head because I don’t know what to say to her.”  So, I repeated my answer and said, “yes, just wait” because she seemed relieved by that and actually took a deep breath.  As I continued down the aisle she yelled after me, “okay good idea.  I am just going to wait for as long as I can.”

Now, I don’t know what was said prior to my coming onto the scene, but this mom was clearly frazzled.  I don’t know what conversation she thought she needed to have with her 6-year-old, but it definitely wasn’t the one she was imagining in her head.  Relax parents.  Despite everything we read we don’t have to tell our kids anything we don’t want to.  In fact, this mom should have been thinking about all the ways she could stop her daughter’s imagination in its tracks.  For example, I probably would have just said,  “you know how boys only like to be comfortable?  Well, some girl thought it would be cool to make underwear like boys wear so we could be comfortable too.  I have no idea why they are called boyfriend underwear and then steered her toward the socks.

Now I tend to agree with the little girl.  I can get down with wearing my guy’s shirt, his sweats, his jeans, if needed and attractive, and I might sleep in his thoroughly washed boxer shorts, but briefs?  No, thank you.  I am sure this little girl was thinking about the boy who sits next to her in her kindergarten class and was trying not throw up at the thought of wearing his underwear.  Ooh, who wouldn’t be grossed out.

So, to all the moms out there worrying about the next question your sweet little girl is going to ask take a deep breath and remember they will believe whatever you tell them at that age.

Sunshine & Sarcasm,
Lowi & G