Today’s post is retrospective. It’s from my archives and is one of my favorite Parenting Plights & Delights stories:
When my nephew Brent was in kindergarten, his class had a Pajama Party on the last day of school. Pancakes would be served. The family was leaving for summer vacation that day, but Brent had been so excited about the party the whole month prior to it that my sister Cindy didn’t want to deprive him of the fun he’d been looking forward to. She decided they’d get a late start on their trip.
That morning, Brent bounded into the kitchen in his favorite cartoon jamies. “Got your shoes and socks on? Cindy asked.
“Yep,” he answered.
“Did you brush your teeth?”
“Yes,” he replied, flashing a smile.
“Got your underwear on?” she asked.
“NO! You don’t wear underwear with pajamas.”
“Well, you do if you’re wearing them to school.”
“I’m not going if I have to wear underwear,” Brent insisted, folding his arms as he took a stance. After awhile, he asked, “Do you think the other kids are wearing underwear?”
“I’m sure they will be,” Cindy said. “Do you want me to go around and check each kid?”
“Yes,” he answered, thinking his mother was serious.
Cindy told him to march back into his room and get his underwear on.
“No way,” Brent said. “Mrs. Keimlick said we’re not to wear underwear.”
Cindy could hardly contain her laughter. She knew the teacher would get a kick out of that. “Do you want me to call the other kids’ parents to see if they’re sending their children to school with underwear?”
“Yeah,” he said.
Cindy was going to pretend to call, but then decided to call one mother who was a good friend, just to give her a good chuckle.
“Wendy, this is Cindy. Is Grant wearing underwear under his pajamas today?”
“We’re arguing about that right now,” Wendy said.
Cindy couldn’t believe it. As it turned out, Grant did wear his underwear to school that day, but Brent chose to miss out on a great party rather than wear underwear under his pajamas. So, the family got an early start on their vacation!
What are your thoughts?
Do you have a parenting or grandparenting memory
or another story you’d like to share?
If you’re not a parent, aunts and uncles have lots of anecdotes, and memories from your own childhood count, too!
This is the thing with kids they take things so literally. His teacher may have said something that was construed that way, when he meant it another. I’m constantly amazed by how my youngest son can hear things completely differently to the way I’ve said them! Funny story.
Yes, Yvette, it’s funny how kids can misinterpret things. I have a feeling the teacher didn’t say anything about underwear, though! Haha! Thanks for stopping by!
Brent is such a character! I can’t believe he missed the party over underwear…that is just so darn funny. I am sure the teacher did not say one word about underwear!!
Yes, Brent is so funny. I’m surprised he was so adamant about not wearing undies that he forfeited going to the party. Kids say and do the craziest things! Always good for keeping us in stitches, though.