Psychological Dilemmas......

If one thinks it is lucky to have a kid who always attacks you with unexpected questions at the most unexpected times , I probably must be the one.

Our son is nine years and nine months old now. Though his innocent inquisitiveness was gladly encouraged by his Dad, I the poor Mom have been often the victim of his never-ending questions.

This too happened in such an unexpected occasion while travelling from Punakha to Thimphu to visit one of our close friends Aby. My husband reached us to the bus station and went back to school. Our son Jithu and I placed ourselves comfortably in our seats. He started watching each and every corner of the bus while I was looking at a man who was chewing ‘Doma’ and talking to his friend.

Suddenly Jithu got up ‘’ Mamma, look there….and there too “-He pointed his finger at the writing in a particular place. a multi-color poster which read - “DO YOU HAVE SPARE TYRES AND CONDOMS? “

What does it mean? What is a condom? What connection does it have with the tyres?

He took a long breath after passing questions at a stretch one by one and looked at my face expecting the answers …..

People around us stopped their talk (even chewing and breathing I guess) and gazed at us. Jithu too noticed that. I could see the discomfort in his eyes.

“Did I ask you something wrong mamma?” “No, not at all” was my reply.

“Then answer me”, he became enthusiastic again.

I thought of my husband. He must be busy now clearing the doubts of the students but I his poor wife was left with no choice but to react.

I sighed and tried to collect myself more together knowing I can’t just skin the surface. Sooner or later he will find out another layer above it and that would be beyond my comprehension.

I lowered my voice and said, “ see, my son, there are certain things, however I explain ,you may not be able to understand……”No Mamma”……he interfered ….”I can”. “Have I ever failed to understand what is being said by you?”

“No, I didn’t mean that but you need to grow a bit more to know what it is……”

“Okey, then let me know what it means‘’? “It means”, I continued, “you need to take precautions”.

“While travelling”?

“ Exactly.”

“Okey Mamma, when I grow up I will obviously buy a car and I will never fail to keep spare tyres and condoms “. He said in his most innocent way.

I became speechless.