FFA - Week #8

Before I get grief for not posting earlier, I want you to know that I tried at least three times. My computer was soooo slow and it just wasn't worth all the effort. I am banking on the "better late than never" attitude.

Topic 8: What do you, or would you, hide from your children?

Let me start by saying this: When I was a little girl, I heard the phrase, "This is too good for children" or "No, you can't have any. You won't appreciate it". And...can I just say - I hated that! I vowed that when I grew up, I was going to let my kids have whatever delicatessan the grown ups were having, whether they appreciated it or not!

That being said, let me share my thoughts on chocolate. I didn't really care for it growing up. I could take it or leave it. In fact, most of the time, I left it. I failed to see the hype all those grown women would make over it. Well, something must happen to the chemistry of a woman's body as it ascends through it's teenage years, because that was then...

Now, I am a firm believer that chocolate, in almost any form, was created by God to make up for PMS. I can honestly say, it makes me feel better, even if only mentally. And my tastes have become more sophisticated as I have gotten older. I don't want that hard, waxy brown served on the outer layer of a candy bar (although, in a pinch, it will do.) I want the real good stuff! (It's not my fault a larger price tag comes with it...)

Remember the vow I made as a child, that I wouldn't deny my kids the "good stuff"? In some ways, I stayed true to that, but let's face it. The truth is, kids DON'T "appreciate it". I changed course on that vow the moment I watched my child pop a treasured truffle (priced at a dollar a piece) into his mouth and swallow it hole, like a dog and a piece of meat. He didn't even taste it or feel the velvet texture as it melted in his mouth! I am not even sure he knew he was eating chocolate.

From that point on, I have hidden my chocolate. Scattered throughout the house are little nooks and crannies where my treasure can be found, but only if you're over 5 1/2 feet tall. It takes skill and stealth to hide my addiction from my children. Sometimes, they'll walk in just in time to catch me shoving a piece down my throat. Then I have to lie about what I'm actually eating. My usual response, through a mouthfull of melting chocolate with traces sometimes dribbling down my chin, "Oh, nofing."

Now, you tell me, which is worse: telling your kids they have to wait until they can appreciate it or lying and hoarding to keep them from wasting your prized possession?