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A Little Story

In the supermarket yesterday, I encountered a little family, Mum and her little primary school kiddies doing some after-school grocery shopping. I smiled at the Mum, because she was trying to push the kiddie-sized trolley that one or other of the kids had clearly wanted to use, but then had given up on.

Her gorgeous little boy, probably about 5 years old, gave a shout of delight at seeing Dexter - a common occurence - and we had this little conversation:

Gorgeous Little Boy: What is her name?
Me: His name is Dexter.
GLB: Oh. Is she a boy or a girl?
Me: He's a boy.
GLB: Oh, I thought he was a girl.
Me: Is that because he's got long hair? (Just a hunch!!)
GLB: Yeah!
(By this time GLB is patting Dexter gently on the head. When little kids pat him, Dexter always sits down and waits patiently.)
Me: You know, that's called "gender stereotyping". You might learn about that when you get to high school.
(His Mum laughs at this; GLB, absorbed in patting Dexter, ignores this grown-up nonsense. I give Dexter a liver treat.)
GLB: What's that?
Me: It's just a little treat for Dexter.
GLB: Oh, can I have one?!
Me: Well, I don't think you'd like it.
GLB's Mum: You've already got a treat!
GLB: Oh yeah! I've got coconut milk! (He waves his little carton of coconut milk at me.)
Me: Cool!

And off they go. It made me smile, and gave me some warm fuzzies. The little boy reminded me of my rapidly-growing-up nephew, Alex, and gave me some Aunty pangs, which is probably why I ended up with a little something in my shopping basket that will be sent to another GLB in England.

Dexter. Loves pats from kids. Loves liver treats!

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