The Crafty Parent Demise

There are moments as a parent when you realize you've been out-smarted by your child.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

4:20 pm.

Enter 1 bouncing bubbly child with a flute and an ingenious idea to (with my assistance) play said flute along with me to the tune of the ABC song.

The interaction first involves me, the adult, being assigned the very important job of flute player. Emily, the brilliant singer, assigned to the job of delivering the beautiful lyrics.

After assuming that my parental craftiness could out-smart a 5-year old, I divert said important role by admitting: "I'm sorry...I don't know how to play that song. Why don't you just play it for me while I clean."

The bouncing bubbly flutist begins her grand piece, reminding me several seconds into the concert that I need to "Sing!" Although detrimental to any novice parent, my crafty self quickly begins the art of cunning redirection and I quickly follow the directive with: "I don't know this song sweetie. Why don't you just play it for me."

Victory was mine!
Or so I thought...

4:25 pm

Bouncing bubbly child is now quietly concentrating on her white pad of paper and markers. She appears to be scratching out carefully the exquisite letters of the alphabet. She brings a single sheet of paper to me proudly, and with exuberance, points out that she has solved my problem with her brilliant idea - she has provided me with a copy of sheet music for said ABC ballad. Now I can sing the "words". All 26 of them. In order.

4:30 pm

Assumed crafty parent, not so crafty anymore, stares sweetly at her bouncing bubbly child who is now happy as she plays her flute alongside her new found soloist - Mom. Sheet music in hand.

The question just begging to be answered: who exactly thought it would be brilliant to teach this child problem solving skills??