Dad tip #32: Think about explaining stuff to your kid in the future

So, my wife and I have this pseudo-game where we'll ask the other person a question -- in a voice meant to mimic that of our son when he's old enough to speak -- about a topic that you wouldn't ordinarily think about discussing with a child. For example, out of my mouth (in a bizarre falsetto) might come: "Mommy, what's 'Beating hookers?!'"

But in reality, kids are curious and will inevitably ask questions. And I am notriously bad at this pseudo-game as my inevitable first response, when my wife asks me a question, is "Ask you mother."

However, I was watching the news this morning in London and the very British newscaster began speaking about how there are some Playboy licensed products appearing in stores next to Winnie the Pooh licensed products in some stores and how that may give children a sense that Playboy is a safe and trusted brand in the same way that Winnie the Pooh is without really understanding what Playboy really is.

Then, the segment went on to quote a school teacher in the UK who claimed that she banned all Playboy products from her class room and that when students would ask about them, she would explain to them what Playboy is. I believe she said her students were approximately ten years old.

THAT'S what got me thinking. Holy crap, I better start thinking about how I'm going to explain stuff. I already know that I'm going to need to watch what I say and that I'm a bit of a ways off from having to tackle the tough topics, but it couldn't hurt for me to start thinking about proper responses other than "Ask your mother."

So, I'm neither supporting nor condemning Playboy; however, I do find it suspect that Playboy bunny-emblemed merchandise can be found next to Winnie the Pooh. Winnie wants honey (or hunny), but not the kind that Playboy offers.

I think.