“Mum, you are not fat!” said my 3-year-old. Before I could even reply, he said “but you have a fat tummy, but I still like you!” I could only manage a “thanks” and burst into laughter. People always say young children are brutally honest. I can’t agree more. Kids just say what they observe/see and they mean no harm at all. Most of the time they just want to know why. Curiosity.

The other day I brought Athan to the shops with me. We saw a couple of security guards at the ATM machine and Athan immediately pointed to them and said “媽媽，為什麼他們的肚子肥肥?” (mum why is their tummy fat?) The men actually turned around and looked at us! I was embarrassed, but I was sure they did not understand Mandarin. Phew! And then, while in the supermarket and sitting in the trolley, Mr A pointed to a African American staff member and said “媽媽，為什麼他沒有沖涼? ä»– yucky!” (mum, why he did not take his bath? He’s yucky!) I was so taken aback by his comment yet at the same time I could see where he was coming from — he associated black with dirty. My mind was thinking of couple of things at the same time…. I was hoping the guy did not mind my innocent son pointing at him, and I was thinking of how to answer Mr A’s question as he was pressing me for an answer. The last thing I wanted was for him to point at that guy again. Well, as far as the African American guy was concerned, he did not mind at all! He even smiled at us. I didn’t think he understand Mandarin either. As for the answer, I simply told Mr A that the guy was not yucky. Of course the boy asked why and then I told him that the African American guy was born with black skin colour and that God made him that way. He’s special. Just like Athan. Mr A went into *deep* thought for a moment and said “oh, 我知道了！(oh, I know now!) I really hope so. 🙂

The other day while on our way to church, Athan had this very interesting conversation with us (in English):

Athan: Mum, you look beautiful today!

Me: Thanks!

Robin: What about me? Do I look beautiful too?

Athan: No! Beautiful is for girls only. Boys are cool. Pa Pa, you are cool!

Robin: LOL!

Got to love that childhood innocence.

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