Updated: Aug. 20, 2015
Originally Published: May 15, 2010
I can’t help but point the finger at The Good Wife. Yes, a rerun! I firmly believe that the moment our little girl lost her innocence happened right after my husband and I decided to reenact a particularly steamy elevator scene from that show in our cozy living room one evening. Is there a lawsuit looming? Probably not. But let’s just say we might need to set aside some cash for her future therapy sessions.
“Mommy! Daddy! Where are your clothes?” came the shrill giggle of our eight-year-old daughter, our unexpected guest. Normally, the only interruptions we face during our intimate moments are my own thoughts racing through my mind—thoughts about the chores I could tackle with my rare free time or what snack I might indulge in later. Is that a crime?
Surprisingly, our love life is not as adventurous as one might think. Outside of a rather spicy encounter in a Macy’s stairwell last year (bet I’ve got your attention now!), we usually stick to the good ol’ once-a-week routine. Is it satisfying? Sure! Does it bring us closer? Absolutely. Is it mind-blowing? Well, let’s just say that’s rare.
That particular Sunday evening was one of those rare nights. No grocery lists cluttering my mind, at least on my end. Just as we were in our moment of bliss, our oldest daughter, who had been sound asleep upstairs, made her way down the stairs and tiptoed down the hall. Typically, she’s the queen of requesting water or hugs from the safety of her bed, but tonight, she decided to investigate in person.
Out of nowhere, our little princess stumbled upon the scene, her laughter bubbling up as she exclaimed, “What are you doing?”
Seeing her wide-eyed confusion turned into uncontrollable giggles as my husband and I scrambled for pillows to shield ourselves. We hurriedly suggested she return to her room, promising to join her shortly. After a few moments of mutual laughter and no signs of retreat, her curiosity peaked as she asked, “What are you doing? Where are your clothes?” We repeated our request for her to head back upstairs, and finally, she complied. We could finally breathe again and rushed to get dressed.
Choosing the right parenting approach in a delicate moment like this can either bring us closer together or lead to a heated argument. My husband first suggested we pretend nothing was happening (hello, future therapy bills) before humorously asking, “Where’s the manual?” you know, that mythical book that would guide us through this parenting fiasco. I declared, “We’ll be honest with her,” blending my bravado with a hint of panic. “Just follow my lead,” which translated to, “Please don’t mess this up.”
What unfolded next is a haze of chaotic yet proud parenting. Once we settled down with our daughter on her fluffy twin bed, we began explaining what had happened: “Mommy and Daddy were making love, our clothes are on the couch, and while it’s a fun and good thing, it’s also a way grown-ups show love for each other.” My inner voice screamed, “Okay, that’s a wrap, goodnight,” but my mouth asked, “Do you have any questions?” And oh boy, did she.
Her questions ranged from “Why did you and Daddy have to be naked?” to “Are you going to have a baby?” (talk about a mix of pride and terror). We found ourselves delving into a surprisingly thorough discussion about love and baby-making. As she peppered us with inquiries, we took deep breaths, answered honestly (not always in that order), and somehow transformed this crisis into a moment of connection. I hope this story becomes a cherished memory rather than a source of future therapy sessions.
We wrapped up our chat with the unforgettable line: “Making love is fun and feels good. You might want to do it someday when you’re older and in love.”
“Ewww! I doubt that will happen, Mom,” she groaned, before dismissing us with a sleepy hug. The Good Wife was calling.
Originally published on May 15, 2010
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Summary
This lighthearted tale narrates a humorous yet awkward encounter between parents and their daughter after an attempt to recreate a romantic moment inspired by a TV show leads to a series of candid questions about love and intimacy. Through honesty and laughter, the parents handle the situation with grace, hoping to foster understanding while navigating the complexities of parenting.