I have to admit that my nearly 8-year old (her birthday is Friday) never ceases to amaze me with what she thinks about. Once, about a month ago, I brought up the idea of making difficult hypothetical choices, such as, “What would you rather be, stranded on a desert island or stuck in a building you can never get out of?” She said the building because there might be a phone there and she could call someone to pick her up. Good explanation, even if it did miss the greater point, but that’s Lexi — always inquisitive.
Now, almost like clockwork, every other night she’ll bring up a choice. This was our latest chat…
Lexi: Dad, you know that choice thing?
Me: Uh, what choice thing?
Lexi: You know, like when I was in that building. And I chose the building instead of the island.
Me: Oh yeah. What about that choice thing?
Lexi: Give me another one!
Me: I don’t know. Would you rather… spend the day on your iPad, be outside all day playing, or go with your mother to work?
Lexi: Um…
Me: Take your time and think about it.
Lexi: I know. I know. I think I know. I want to go with mommy to her work.
Me: [after a pause] Wow. I’m shocked. What made you decide that?
Lexi: Because I get time on my iPad, but I don’t get to see mommy at work. It would be cool.
Me: Would you want to be a librarian [what her mother does] someday?
Lexi: I don’t know. Maybe if I saw mommy at work.
Me: Did you know they have a “Bring Your Daughter to Work Day”?
Lexi: When? Tomorrow?
Me: [laughing] No. I actually don’t know when it is, but I’m sure your mother would love to bring you then.
Lexi: Ooh, I want to go tomorrow.
Me: It’s not tomorrow.
Lexi: So can I have my iPad now?
Sam
Sam's Online Journal 