Hitler

What a strange title for a blog about an eight year old, right? I was thinking the same thing as I overheard a conversation Sam had with his dad yesterday on the way into McDonald's. Sam noticed the logo on a Volkswagen and asked about it:

 

Look. It's a W and a V.

Tom responded, It's VW, actually. It stands for Volkswagen.

Oh.

Do you know who created the Volkswagen?

Who?

Adolf Hitler. He wanted to make a car that every German could afford. Volkswagen means "The People's Car" in German.

So there were some good things about him, replied Sam with excitement.

I guess. Yeah.

And some bad ones.

A lot of bad ones.

Yeah, like the whole "Killing the Jews" thing.

Yes.

I mean, why did he have to mess with the Jews? We're not bad people, said Sam with enthusiasm.

I know. He was a jerk.

Yeah. I want a twenty piece McNuggets.

Okay, said Tom relieved to have the conversation over.

You’re probably wondering how Sam even knows who Hitler is. I wish we could take some credit for giving our children an advanced education. But the sad truth is that we can’t. It’s because of those crazy violent video games we let him play. I think Call of Duty is the one that focuses on World War II. Nice.

And I bet you’re asking what were we doing at McDonald’s. Several weeks ago I admitted that fast food and I have a very special relationship. The Big Mac will always hold a place in my heart so while we don’t come often, a trip to the golden arches is necessary now and then. But no French fries – they have dairy in them.

Finally, you may be wondering what any of this has to do with Brain Balance. Six months ago, Sam wouldn’t have made the connections that he did. He probably wouldn’t have even noticed the logo. If he did, I don’t think he would have asked about it. If he did ask, and Tom answered the same way, I doubt Sam would have gone on to have the same thoughtful conversation about Hitler. He just wasn’t as present as he is now.

Beyond that, I really just wanted to share because it was one of those parent moments that made me laugh out loud. Hopefully you at least cracked a smile. And please, please don’t point fingers at me and yell Bad mommy or I might have to stop being so honest.