A Conversation on Dating...With a Six-Year-Old

My youngest daughter just turned six. She is the child who seems to enjoy my company the most out of all of my children. Wherever I am, she seems to just "turn up" and carry on a steady stream of conversation about a variety of topics. Most of these are typical six-year-old conversations. You know, the kind you can participate in with your mind on something else entirely--whether the Polly Pocket with the pink dress is better than the one with the purple swimming suit--that sort of thing.

The other day, as I was putting on makeup and fixing my hair--or trying to--my conversationalist came in the bathroom and announced:

When I am sixteen, I am getting a boyfriend.

Oh, Honey, you don't want a boyfriend when you are sixteen. You should wait to get a boyfriend until you are ready to get married. Sixteen is a little bit young to get married.

How about when I am seventeen?

That still seems a little bit young. How about when you are in your twenties, or so?

But Mommy, what if a boy is STARING at me--you know, at school?

Sweetie, you go to school at home. The only boys you go to school with are your brothers.

No--I mean in COLLEGE, Mom. (imagine a "Come on, track with the conversation" tone of voice at this point)

Well, you just ask him politely to please stop staring at you.

But Mom, what if I LIKE it?

I did mention that she was six, didn't I?? I think I am failing as a parent! I also think that maybe my views on "conceal and carry" are starting to change!