Beef, Chicken or Pasta

One of the things I adore living an International Life is the variety of children my children bring home. We are always learning new cultures, traditions, habits. It's all good. But just think of this, how many times have you had a child over to visit and thought, "I sure hope MY child doesn't act like that when they are visiting." Of course, you just can't tell. I had Allison ask my girlfriend to make her a Pavlova for her Birthday. Her birthday was in two days at the time. So although I am laughing, Please know in No way am I throwing stones. I have four kids. It happens.
BUT we have a little girl over today who is An Only Child. Not always, but often, only children have been indulged more than I have time to indulge. So here is the conversation.

Panda Bear: We want to go shopping.
Little Girl: Yes, I brought my money.
Me: No.
Panda Bear: We want liquorice.
Me: No, I can't go to the store, I have too many kids here and I can't leave.
Little Girl: Then how will we get to the store?
Me: You can't go.
Little Girl: I don't understand. How will we get the liquorice?
Me: You won't
L.G.: I don't understand. Are you saying No?
Me: Yes, I am saying No.
L.G.: I don't understand.
Me: Panda Bear, tell her what No means.

Fast forward: Middle child has a friend over and I can't remember if she's the one who can't eat meat. We have a variety of friends with religious food differences as well as allergies. I always do my best to accommodate. So we can't have beef (I think), the chicken is frozen, so Pasta it is. Little Girl says she'll eat when she gets home because her mom will fix her what she wants. Well Sweetie, what do you want? Liquorice!

Have a great Day!