Learning by snuggles

“Amatxu, why is Kony so mean?”

“How are fossils created?”

“Why do we see a rainbow?”

The kids and I always had a bedtime routine, which usually involved me reading them a short story or simply tucking them in with a couple of kisses if I happened to be kaput. A few months back they changed the process on me and demanded we moved the party over to my bed so they could easily flank me and snuggle with me. What an awesome idea! Apart from the obvious benefits of a 20-minute double serving of hugs and kisses, I get to hear all that I ever wanted to know about their lives, and more. They have chosen this time to open up and tell me about their day, their fears, the questions they have, and sometimes, if I’m lucky, I get to watch them perform made up crazy dances and funny sketches.

A couple of weeks ago my son had a friend come to the house for a sleep over. The mom was married for several years and had two kids before realizing she was gay. I’d asked her to stay and have a drink with me before leaving her kid for the night, so she came over accompanied by her girlfriend and the three of us talked and laughed for a while before they left. I love that they are as politically incorrect as I am. It made it really easy to get along. My kids took notice of the women holding hands over my kitchen table. I knew what was in store of our next “Snuggle Time”. Sure thing, they both wanted to know why people are gay and how would they know if they were gay. I tried my best to answer their questions and made sure they knew we are all people and that, despite our differences, we’re all the same. It was for sure an interesting conversation.

Since the routine change I’ve also become even more acquainted with Google. Working two jobs, running the house, having fun with the kids, and a well-deserved drink with my friends once in a while does not leave much time for reading the paper. These days, I am the opposite of  being on top of current affairs. However, I now know all there is to know about Kony and the Invisible Children. Plus I can give you a step by step account on fossil creation.

No matter how crappy my day was, what happened or didn’t happen right up until bedtime, it always ends up on a high note before the kids go to bed. This week we talked about rainbows. What will be next?

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