Man Child Meets Mr. and Mrs. ????

I introduced the figurrs to Man Child today when he came by. I decided to ask him the same questions that I asked Middle Child and La Nina Loca about them. Before I could formally introduce him, he noticed them and asked, "What's up with these?" I explained. He asked, "You're not going to leave them there are you?" Later I let him spend some time with them and asked him the questions.

Me: Man Child meet Mr. and Mrs.
MC: head nod, smile. no words.
Me: Where do you think they're going?
MC: Smile. Giggle. "Can I touch them?" The sun? He's got a beer. He's going to the sun, duh?
Me: What do you think their names are?
MC: This guy looks like a Phil. She looks like a Judy.
La Nina Loca named them: Ina and Ohcio.
(laughed out loud)
Me: What is he going to take pictures of?
MC: Birds or something.
Me: What is her fave color?
MC: Gumdrop Purple
Me: What music do they like?
MC: This dude likes Neal Young. I can just tell. She likes Bruce Springsteen. I hate Neal Young.
Me: What do you think is in his bottle?
MC: Captain Morgan 100 proof.
Me: What do you think is in her bag

MC: Food.
Me: What do you think is in his suitcase?
MC: That's a lunch box.
Me: Ask them one question.
Why are you dressed like that?

Parenting the Man Child

Having a serious moment that isn't being served with a side of sarcasm today. I'm definitely more comfortable with anger and humor than the more serious side of life. Parenting a man child is a tricky tight rope that may bring out anger, frustration, desperation, nostalgia, but rarely humor. Here are the latest parenting words I offerred up to Man Child:

1. When a man fucks up, he stands up and owns it.

2. Look the folks in the eye that you are responsible to and say what needs to be said--like an apology or whatever the situation calls for.

3. Carry on in a situation with what you can sleep with tonight because you might just live with that decision for a long time.

4. It's not the mistakes you make, but how you handle them and clean up after them that defines your character.

5. Remember your moral compass.

6. If you live life authentically, you'll have fewer regrets. This means to me brutally honest with yourself when the tough times show up at your door.

These are words I wish someone had been savy enough to explain to me as a youth. However, I don't know if I would have understood them until now. I wish I could sprinkle fairy dust on them to give them life for Man Child.