One evening, I was reading this children’s book called “Just a Joke” to Joshie, which is a gentle adaptation to the “Boy who cried Wolf” story. This was not the first time we’ve read this book – I’ve lost count how many times really. I was getting towards the end of the book where I was to read out the moral of the story. I thought this time, I would take the liberty of adding more flavour and emphasis, by spelling out the true lesson of this story.
So I continued: “….so if you lie to people all the time, they will eventually not believe you and not help you when you are really in trouble….”
Then I got stopped by an annoyed Joshie: “No, Mommy, read the words!”
I had forgotten that Joshie was by now very familiar with the words to this story. I then went on defensive mode: “I am Joshie, I’m reading the story!”
“No, you are not” he accused, “don’t say “lie to people” and all those words!”
A bit stunned, I asked: “Why do you say that?”
“Because, Mommy, there is no “L” word on this page!”
I looked down onto the page again – indeed, the book didn’t use the word “lie” or “lying” – that was on me – and there was definitely no “L” word on the page we were on!!!
Oh my, he got me! Again! My only reply was to turn to him and burst into hysterical laughter!
I’m not sure Joshie understood the true lesson of the “Boy who cried Wolf” story that night, but I certainly learnt mine!
You Silly Mommy! 