Hey guys,
Something happened a few days ago that made me begin to think. I am sure many of you would agree that we as a culture are hyper sensitive about being a "good parent". So here is the scenario...

My wife and two girls (3 and 1) were driving home from somewhere when our 3 yr old became very upset that she did not have any milk. A fit began to develop like a bad storm cloud. I tried to head it off with a little distraction.

I asked my daughter (who desperately wants a puppy) what she would think of getting genetically modified cows that were the size of a puppy. Then she could take them with her wherever she went and she could have milk any time she wanted. My wife of course looked at me like I was crazy, but our daughter though it was a fantastic idea. She of course had no idea what genetic modification was, but got the idea. Over the last 20 minutes of our drive home we discussed sleeping arrangements, names, and the litter box issue. She was certain the cat would not share his litter box with cows, no matter what size they were.

As the conversation went on, my wife's reaction went from amusement to what I am convinced was a telepathic command to shut me up. When I asked her about it, she was concerned that our daughter would repeat the plan at daycare. Which prompted me to say "so?". My thought was that there were several things I could think of that could be worse for a child to repeat. (Like just about anything from prime time television.) So let me throw it out to you guys? Was this a harmless bit of fun or have I given my three year old more things to talk to a therapist about in another 20 years?

I'd say it's genius. You should come up with bedtime stories about the tiny cows. Write a book with her about tiny cows. Talk to her and listen to her about tiny cows. Laugh about tiny cows. This is the very essence of good fathering -- being present, talking, listening.

Yep. Awesome.

She's THREE. Absolutely you should foster the imagination of toddlers... I hope she shares it with all of her friends at daycare... and all the other parents get perplexed when their kids come home with stories of tiny cows... This reminds me, I've been wanting to talk to my son about "strawberry cows" when he asks for that nasty Nestle Quik HisMother introduced him to. He loves that stuff.

The crafter in me wants you to add tiny paper cows to all of Daddy Clay's suggestions as well. (You can even buy tiny cow 'action figures' at just about any toy store.)

(But do try to remember to pack an extra bottle o' milk next trip, ok? Not to appease the girl, but for her Mother.)

Tantrum averted, toddler entertained and her creativity/imagination stimulated...that's daddy brilliance! Daddy for the win! Well played!

I laughed at "strawberry cow" because that is exactly the direction we went. We decided that we needed three cows. A white, brown, and pink one. Regular milk, chocolate, and strawberry.

Unfortunately there has been no repeating at daycare. (Or fortunately if you ask my wife) I would love to see her teacher's face trying to figure out the story. I think making up bed time stories and such is a great idea.