It’s funny how kids can bring back such vivid memories of your own childhood.
The rampant imaginations, the simple joy. Even their smiles have the ability to take us back.
You have to admit…they can do wonders to invigorate your life.
They also have the uncanny ability to do something else. Like make you feel as though you need a walker and some Depends.
And no, this has nothing to do with their youthful complexion or their wrinkle-free appearance.
It’s all about the little things they “do” that serve to remind us of the decades between us.
Things like:
- Talking in tones that reach decibels capable of creating long-term hearing loss. This often invokes the “Daddy’s right here, why are you yelling”, response.
- Their ability to make your phone do things you didn’t know was possible. Normally this results in a throbbing headache and a consultation of the owner’s manual.
- Talking in a language that can only be deciphered by their siblings. It’s definitely English, but to you it sounds like something you heard off of Lord of the Rings.
- The ability to watch the same movie over…and over…and over…and over. This is painful, but it does give you several theme songs to hum when you’ve got nothing better to do.
- Performing displays of flexibility that instinctively make you clench your privates. Enough said.
- Drawing on energy that’s powered solely by cheerios and sunshine. It’s not scientifically possible…but I’ve seen it happen.
- Developing a tolerance to repetitive, annoying noises. Tapping, clapping, humming, clicking, crunching…their all included.
- Self imposed memory loss. This is for your benefit really. Without this you would have never developed the investigative talent of finding sippy cups, baby dolls, or the hamster.
- A complete lack of discretion. The kind of discretion that would normally hinder a comment like “Dad, why is that man’s belly so big”…and all from three feet away.
- A perfectly naive awareness of style. The younger ones will wear anything, regardless of color, fit, label, or smell. Come to think of it…I think this one may actually come back around.
In truth, our kids deserve a lot of credit. They tell us when we’ve succeeded, when we’ve failed, and when we’ve officially lost sight of our youth.
But don’t fret! It may be a vicious circle, but the truth will be revealed to them one day as well.
So slap those dentures in and keep moving…hurry, before you doze off again.