Lollipop Land

May 1, 1:21 AMFatherhood ExaminerJoe Schatz

Previous Next

14 comments Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Fatherhood Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

I am not sure if shops, institutions, textile mills and other places of business near you do this, but virtually every place of business I frequent during my daily trips are none other than a lollipop "hot spot" or a "lollipop free zone" by my daughters--especially my two year old.  Yesterday (from whenever you are reading this), I had to drive my daughters to school because they missed the bus and that means I had to bring my two year old along as well.  Since they had simply missed the bus and weren't late all I had to do was drop them off in front of the school and not go in, which I prefer especially when I am not wearing shoes it's thirty degrees out.  Anyways, no issue, my two school aged girls get out of the car and head off to school with a kiss and well wishes, but as my youngest and I began to drive away she screamed, "What about my lollipop!"  She was devastated.  You see, whenever we go into the elementary school to pick the girls up early or bring them in late after a Dr's appointment or something of that sort, the school's secretaries always give my youngest a lollipop--always.   The same can be said about the bank, the cleaners, city hall, my Dr's office, the local liquor stores, and about a half a dozen other various shops in our neighborhood.  

You all remember that lesson in Psych 101 with the dog, the bell and the food.  Good ol' Pavlov and his salivating dog.  Well, that's my daughter.  The instant we pull into a shop that is "pro-lolli" she starts asking for the lollipop.  I am convinced she knows which ones are at each location.  She knows if it is generic or if it is a blow pop, a tootsie pop or what is widely considered (by my three daughters) as the king of freely given lollipops--dum dum pops.  The level of excitement she exudes directly correlates to the type of pop awaiting inside the place of business.  My daughter doesn't see the world like we do, she sees it through lollipop colored glasses.  Here are a few pictures that illustrate this point.

How We see the World                                                             How my Two Year Old sees the World 

 
The last time we went to city hall she came away with 2 huge lollipops, she remembers our trip there fondly and every time we are within 5 blocks of that building I can see her eyes go wild.  She lives in a lollipop world.  In fact, anytime we are out she routinely gets at least 2 lollipops because all ladies that dole them out ask if she would like one to bring home to her sister or brother and of course, like any kid with a brain, she says yes.  At any given time she is packing at least 2 said lollipops in her coat that she forgot to give to her sisters.  It's funny how people who run stores always ask, "Is she allowed to have one?"  First, that question always means "If you don't let your daughter take one you are a heartless jerk."  And secondly, after the kids have seen the lollipops how can you tell them, "Hey, you see those pretty, colorful, sugary treats that lady just showed you?  Guess what, you can't have one."  I mean is that even possible? 

So, in review, where you and I see bricks and steel, my daughter sees candy jars and baskets filled with lollipops.  Do your kids live a "Lollipop World?"  I know mine do.