A man named Art Linkletter hosted a popular afternoon TV show from 1945 to 1969, House Party, and on it was a segment called Kids Say The Darndest Things. A few kids sitting at attention on the stage (as kids in the 5Os were trained to do) would field Art’s questions about everything from their parents to politics, and they’d invariably make funny, clever and insightful comments. Kids have unnerving observational skills, and, without filters, they don’t hesitate to speak their minds and unleash their creativity.
After I gave my almost four-year-old grandson, Primo, a bath last week, he told me “everything is backwards,” as he proceeded to put his PJ pants on his head and his shirt around his cute little tush. I captured the moment on my phone. I love his coy expression, too.
I also offered to stay with my friends’ five-and-eight-year-old sons when their usual babysitter was unavailable. Although the boys were intensely involved with their iPads most of the evening, they managed say a few words here and there, when I attempted to engage them in conversation.
“You look older now,” older brother Wyatt told me matter-of-factly when he saw the photo on my blog, which was taken over four years ago.
Wyatt was right. I wasn’t wearing a bit of makeup that night and my hair was flat as a pancake.
Despite the fact that I looked older (or old!) Wyatt seemed to warm up to me by the end of the evening. He even gave me a kiss goodbye. Next time I see him, I’m gussying up first.