Two families, with three-year-old sons Manny and Albert as friends, face conflict. Albert's parents use the 'stork' explanation for babies, while Manny's parents are more open. Manny corrected Albert, causing Albert's parents to become furious and end the children's friendship.
The advice columnist suggests letting the situation fizzle. Apologizing may not solve the problem, considering a three-year-old's unpredictable nature. The columnist implies Albert's parents' reaction is excessive, indicating an unwillingness to handle the situation maturely. The columnist warns that further interactions might be strained.
The article also includes a separate, unrelated 'Classic Prudie' section about a different problem the columnist addresses.
Dear Prudence is Slate’s advice column. Submit questions here.
Dear Prudence,
Our neighbors down the block are expecting their second child soon. Their 3-year-old son “Albert” frequently plays with my son “Manny,” who is the same age.
My Husband and I Were Struggling to Conceive. Then He Slept With My Sister. That’s Not Even Close to the Worst Part. I Own an Upscale Restaurant. I Want to Institute a Ban That Could Anger My Customers. Help! My Family Was Right About My Ex. I Learned the Truth When I Found a Tracker in My Bag. We Finally Have Enough Cash to Fulfill Our Big Dream. My Spouse Is Standing in the Way.Albert’s parents are shall we say, less than enlightened when it comes to things like sex, and told him his new brother will be brought by Mr. Stork (I’m not kidding) around the time Albert’s mother is due. Albert repeated this to Manny. My husband and I were honest with our son about where babies come from when he asked us when he was 2 years old, and Manny proceeded to correct the record for Albert. Now Albert’s parents are furious and won’t let them be friends anymore. Should I apologize for my son, or is it better to let this one fizzle out?
—This Isn’t 1950!
Dear This Isn’t 1950,
You might have to let it fizzle. You could apologize, but you’d still be left with a toddler who could say anything at any time and the anxiety that would come with knowing that one of his random comments could make an adult “furious.” That would be so stressful.
A parent who couldn’t laugh the incident off as this week’s case of 3-year-olds being ungovernable (or at the very least reassure you that it’s their issue to handle, not yours) is not one I would really want to deal with. Don’t be surprised if you run into them in the local park and Albert is surprised because his parents, who make up stories to avoid touchy topics, have told him your family moved away.
Classic Prudie
Some backstory for reference: I’m a major introvert (My boyfriend and I opened an arcade that requires being very social—so after my day job, I work another six hours being super social). My father-in-law LOVES showing off our house. Whenever he comes to visit with someone new, he always wants to show them our house. Most of the time it doesn’t bother me, but this time is different.
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