The “box man” – what my four-year-old son calls the UPS delivery person – dropped off a new pair of running shoes last week. All the kids gathered around in anxious anticipation while I opened it and tried them on. Then the questions came. I swear the White House press corps has nothing on my kids when it comes to asking tough questions.
Q: Are you going to go running right now?
A: No. I just had dinner. I can’t run on a full stomach.
Q: Can I try them on?
A: Sure.
Q: Will these shoes help you run fast?
A: Yes, they’ll help me run fast.
Q: Will you be able to run fast like Mom [Marathon Girl]?
A: Probably not.
Q: Why does Mom run faster than you?
A: Because she’s a gifted athlete.
~blank stares from kids~
A: Let me rephrase. Mom is very a very fast runner. Not everyone can run fast like mom.
Q: Why?
A: Some people are fast runners while other people are good at baseball players. Everyone’s good at different things.
Q: Can I run fast like mom?
A: One day you probably will.
Q: You’re bigger than mom, why can’t you run faster?
A: That’s a good question.
Q: Can I have your old shoes?
A: No. Dad’s going to throw them away.
Q: Why?
A: Because they’re old and smelly.
Q: Why?
A: Because dad runs in them all the time.
Q: Can I throw them away?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I go running with you when you wear them [the new shoes]?
A: Of course.
Q: Can we go outside and run right now? The sun’s still up.
A: Good idea! Let’s go outside and run.
Q: Don’t forget your new shoes.
A: I won’t.