Laughter is the best policy

During the early years of parenting, advice is often easily --- and always freely given. So many wise people, some self designated, with so many words of wisdom. What words should a parent cherish? What advice should be followed?

Laughter. That's it. After all is said and done, laughter is the only word to remember. Laughter truly is the best policy. Laughter is the only way to parent!

I remember all those years ago, barking out a command to my child. It was a rough day. I was frazzled around the edges. Barking would be a polite word to describe the voice that squeezed from my lips. I could tell from my child's sweet face that he was not in the mood for barking or any other animal noise that came from his dear mommy.

There was no surprise. My child barked back. A rough and tough four year-old, he looked me square in the eyes. Solidly planting his little baby toes on the ground, he threw one little word back at me. He shouted in his deepest toddler voice, 'no.'

My first reaction would be to play a little rough and tumble. I would make my voice heard and my command acted upon. Yes, that would be my first reaction.

My second reaction, which is usually the reaction to cherish, was to use drama. I love drama. I adopted a worn line from a movie. I pointed my finger at my little man child and said with a sway in my hips and a stagger from my lips, "You talkin' to me? Is that YOU talkin' to me? I say little man, is that You TALKIN' to ME?

My child looked at me, wondering what or whom I was ... I looked at him. I love this little guy. His funny little face contorted, staring into my eyes, wondering what his mommy would do. I started laughing. I realized that I sounded as foolish as I looked. I laughed out loud. My child, understanding that mommy was falling off her dramatic little rocker, laughed.

I wrapped my arms around my little boy. We both, in harmonious noise, repeated, "You talkin' to me?

Ahhh yes, laughter. Laughter is ALWAYS the best policy!