So I'm taking my five year old to school the other day and we're discussing how he measures smartness. Turns out he measures it in terms of height. So I ask, Well, how smart is Mama? He answers, Mama's smartness goes up to space and back. Impressive. So I ask, How smart is GrandMa He thinks a moment and answers, Her smartness goes to space. Ok. So I keep going. How smart are you? I ask. He tells me, My smartness is as high as a full grown pine tree. Ok, so now I've set myself up, but I know it...so I ask, How smart is Daddy? He doesn't even pause, your smartness is about as high as a bush.<br><br>So I got to thinking about it I truly have set myself up for this. As the daddy, I'm always the fall guy. I'm the one who always answers questions incorrectly the first time so the boy can answer it correctly. Mostly, I've done it in fun, but I've also sort of done it as a confidence builder. I always sort of thought I always giving him something of a gift giving him the confidence of knowing that he's smarter than daddy.<br><br>Looks like I outdid myself. I'm totally good with it, but I'm curious. Anyone out there think I've set myself up for trouble later down the line?

Yep. In about 12 years, you're in deep chit... <br><br>Great story!

Very interesting. I had a similar deal with strength. When Walker was very young during arm wrestling matches and feats of strength i would always let him win. One day after joining the family a few days into vacation at the in laws house, my father in law called me aside and said you must stop letting him those arm wrestling matches, he's telling everyone in town that you are weak. I didn't think much about it at first, but after he called me weak it hit home. A boy needs his father to be his first hero, and hero's are smart and strong!<br><br>So I whipped grandpa's ass in a few matches and challenged all members of the family to face my wrath. Eleven year old cousin was no match. I still let Walker win some games of basketball and volleyball but only 50% of the time. Arm wrestling matches are 100% Daddy. I am looking forward to the day when he beats me fair and square.

Thanks for the thought. You make a good point about a son needing his father to be his first hero. I totally agree with that. But I'd counter that while heroes are smart and strong. They also always do what's right. Even if it's hard. Sometimes doing what's right isn't necessarily always demonstrating their strength or intelligence right? Sometimes a hero's role is to inspire and bring out the best in others and I'd contend that building confidence (but not arrogance...and that's a fine line) is one of the best ways we can help our children. -- Whoa -- this got deep in a hurry.<br><br>Personally, I don't think we have an issue with strength in our house. I do let him win 90% of all of the activities based on physical differences. However, there have been a few times where I've won and we've talked about that.<br><br>For example, my boy loves to run everywhere and race. However, I know from coaching both his soccer and baseball teams that he's not the fastest kid out there. More importantly, he knows it. There's plenty of opportunities for his peers to put him in his place on the playground, the gym, or the sports field. So I feel like part of what I can do is let him have some of those victories at home. But I agree that he's at an age, where he probably shouldn't have all of them.<br><br>With regards to racing, we've talked about the fact that look at how much longer Daddy's legs are and look at how fast Daddy can go when he needs to. Do you really think Daddy couldn't out run you, if he wanted to? He seems to grasp that.<br><br>Your point is well taken though. Maybe it's time to demonstrate for a while that Daddy does have his head screwed on straight and can answer some questions correctly the first time. Maybe Mama will share some of her heavenly knowledge with me.

Perhaps sometimes answer the questions with questions... that then point him in the right direction to still answer himself...<br><br>On the other hand, while you've set yourself up, it can be used to not answer those questions you may not be ready to answer. Dad, where do babies come from?* Seeing as you only have enough smarts to trim the hedges, without feeling bad, you can say, Go ask your Mother. <br><br>(*Babies come from Vegas.)

Like the way you think, Concretin Nik. If I can defer the occasional big questions to Mama, that's awesome!<br><br>Seriously though. Leading him to his own answers may be a better approach than playing dumb like I am now.<br><br>Thanks

There's always the classic line when the dad says, I won't tell you, but I'll give you a hint. Gets kids wondering and seeking own answers, yet preserves what little dignity we fathers are allowed.

I like this. lead the horse to water...in a manner of speaking.

Nice