My daughter Natalie, who will be six in June, and a neighborhood boy about her age were playing together with my older daughter this afternoon. Natalie and the boy had a difference of opinion about how play should proceed, so I was trying to guide them through a resolution. My typical approach is to remind them that they should find a way to play that they will both enjoy rather than arguing about whose will should prevail.
So first Natalie reiterated what she wanted, then the boy reiterated what he wanted. I again tried to get them to come up with something that would be acceptable to them both. And Natalie looks at the boy and says, with a saucy grin, “I will let you see my panties if we play my way.”
It took every ounce of will in my body not to burst out laughing. But I managed to pull it together quickly and make a statement on the inappropriateness of showing people our panties. Then I sent the boy and my older daughter out while I had a conversation with Natalie. I asked why she made that offer and she tells me “he likes to see my panties.” So of course I ask how she knows this and she replies that he has asked her several times to show him her panties.
I dont know what is my bigger concern – that she has reached the age at which kids get curious about each other (which is just natural, if a parenting challenge) or that she already has a clue about the power of her panties in relationships with boys.
Where is my seatbelt??!
