Cute story — a few months ago we were on a family trip, driving from Flagstaff, Ariz., to the Grand Canyon when the following scene played out between my teenage sons.
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Leo – Will there be signs saying we are at the Grand Canyon?
Davis – Uh, I think you’ll know it when you see it.
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An hour later we stopped at a gas station for a potty break, when more brilliant banter happened.
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Leo – Are we there?
Davis – Bro.
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You probably have similar stories, where your kids say the darndest things. Parents have so many different types of prideful moments — good grades, sports successes, expectations exceeded. Other times we have heartwarming feelings when we see our kids hold the door for someone, do a kind deed, look an adult in the eye while having an actual conversation.
For some of us, hearing our kids make a hilarious joke or sarcastic quip with perfect comedic timing sparks such joy they might as well have gotten a positive letter sent home from the principal. It’s fascinating watching how our children’s brains work.
Think about times you’ve seen your kids walk up to their friends’ parents at a school function just to say hello. Maybe you’ve overheard them say one of your many famous parent catchphrases like, “If you stay ready you don’t have to get ready.” They heard you! They paid attention! They searched the files of their brains for a lesson you taught them and carried it out on their own! The nachas are flowing and you’re left kvelling like you’ve never kvelled before.
Then, of course, they turn right around with a comment that’s a real head scratcher, like Davis did as we drove through the mountains.
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Davis – If a bear came up to us, I would want to save Leo, so I would let the bear eat me. But the problem would be that Leo’s lazy butt probably couldn’t outrun the bear, even with the head start I gave him, and he’d get eaten, too. And then I’d be so freakin’ mad.
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On one hand, I was so touched that he would sacrifice himself to save his little brother. On the other hand, I was not shocked that Davis figured out a way to insult Leo.
As a parent of teenagers, listening is of the utmost importance. It’s a real win when the stuff they say proves they’ve been listening to you, too. And if it’s funny, well, that’s my icing on the cake.
All of that said, sometimes the fruit of our loins will say something so ridiculous you really question their thought process. Case in point: at the very end of that Arizona trip, Leo had a gem of an idea while boarding the plane home.
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Leo – On the flight I’m going to watch that Boeing documentary.
Me – About the plane crashes?
Leo – Yes.
Me – While you’re riding on a Boeing plane?
Leo – Yeah, it makes it more like a thrill ride.
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