Niles and I have been lying to our children nearly since they were born.
But really, I am pretty sure all parents do.
"Chuck E Cheese is closed again today, kids."
"You cannot get out of the cart because only Mommy has special shoes to protect her from the boiling lava."
"Christmas is December 24" (I had duty that on Christmas Day.)
"There are no more new Thomas the Tank Engine toys."
So while we were in Maui this past weekend and realized that Owen had managed to leave behind his precious Bunny, Niles and I had to think quickly. We had already tried to go back to the store and retrieve Bunny, but he was gone. As Niles and I privately mourned the loss of the much loved stuffed rabbit toy that Owen has had since he was the same size as the toy, we had to come up with an answer as Owen repeatedly requested Bunny from the back seat.
Then Niles came up with the perfect lie.
"Owen, Bunny is at the spa."
"The spa?"
"Yes, a spa like what Mommy and Daddy did yesterday. Bunny is at the spa. So next time you see him, he's going to be really, really clean. He might be so clean you may not recognize him."
So yes, I frantically ordered another Bunny off Amazon. (Oh, Amazon Prime and one-touch ordering, how much I love you!) Then while at work the next day, I may have written Owen a letter from "Bunny" talking about how awesome the spa was and how good the food was... And promptly shoved it into an envelope when I got home to give to Owen. Believe me, Niles and I are not above perpetuating lies to our children.
The lies had to continue when "Bunny" arrived in the mail. Owen gleefully hugged him and then took a longer look at him... and realized there were a couple of small differences... which Niles carefully explained away by Bunny being at the spa. We think Owen's bought into the lies.
So remember, parents, if you ever find yourself frantically ordering a replacement stuffed animal, just tell your kids the toy went to a spa for a while. And maybe this lie will work for you too!
