Memorable Chats with the Children, Women's Day Edition

From four years ago today, when the bunnies were ever so much younger:

I pick up Heloise from a play date last night. In the car, we talk about what she learned in school that day. She talks a lot about this weekend's Purim holiday. I mention and explain International Women’s Day.

Heloise: “I don’t understand why it’s just one day. Women are important every day.”

David “I’m going to marry Racheli” (a girl in his class).

Heloise: “So you had better be nice to her more than one day a year!”

David: “ I will give her Oreos every day except on Shabbat and holidays. Like Purim, or Dog’s Day.”

Heloise: “Dog’s Day?”

Me: “Dog’s Day?”

David: “Can I have a dog?”

Me: “Well played, kid”.

Heloise: “Anyhow, listen. Boys need girls more than girls need boys. That’s why we need more days to celebrate us.”

Me: “I’m not going to argue with you.”

Heloise: “Sometimes, it’s hard to be a woman.”

Tammy Wynette, verbatim.

Me: “I believe it. What seems hardest to you?”

There is silence in the car. The first-born thinks.

Heloise: “I feel like boys only have to be good some of the time. Girls are expected to be good all the time.”

Me: “Oh Mousie, I think you’re right. But not in our family.”

Heloise: “Well, I hope that you and Ima only let David get away with more because he’s littler, and not because he’s a boy.”

Me: “It’s because he’s littler.”

David: (feeling he must say something) “I don’t have a wife. I don’t have a dog.”

Me: “That’s what most country songs are about, bunny.”

Silence. I look in the mirror. My children are gazing out their respective windows, holding hands, natural allies against a maddening and inexplicable world.