Dinner Talk

Not my kitchen -- from Conran's Kitchen Book

Some years ago my mother, I think, gave us a little Lucite box with a stack of cards, each of which had a "dinner conversation starter." I think I rolled my eyes at the little box and stashed it on a bookshelf, but when Henry pulled it out the other evening and began asking me questions from the cards, I realized that it was actually a pretty cool thing. The questions are all open-ended and interesting, particularly helpful for those kids who might answer all questions with a typical Uh Huh or I don't know. I learned that my sons would rather be spanked than grounded -- who knew? -- and that Henry would rather be a famous athlete than scientist. Henry also stated that he'd rather have a teacher who was less talented and more fun than a good but strict teacher. He answered that the times he has been most afraid were when Sophie fell during seizures and hurt herself. The boys learned that I have never cheated and that it's harder for me to get exercise than it is to eat healthy. They also learned that one of my greatest dreams is to see the Earth hanging in space from the window of a rocket.

As always, Oliver had the funniest answer to the question How will you know when you are a grownup? 

His response:

I'll know I'm a grown-up when the ladies start hitting on me.

I honestly don't know where the boy gets it!