Tips from the Trenches: A Guide to Practical Parenting

"They were trying to kiss me! I need to find something to wear."

"Something to wear" turned out to be a Darth Vadar suit complete with mask and lightsaber. I couldn't help thinking that if two girls were out to kiss him ("him" being my 5 1/2 year old son) that even Darth Vadar with a lightsaber might not be enough. And, depending on the girl, it might only egg them on.

Once he was geared-up, he ran off into the fray while I was left feeling like I was about to embark on a dangerous, life-long journey. All at once, I felt like I needed to warn him, protect him, and cheer him on for his bravery.

He came home a few minutes later saying that they told him they loved him and gave him a cut out heart. I didn't dare ask if he also received any kisses. He asked me to cut out a series of hearts that he wanted to go back and deliver.

So the question is, now what? What the heck do I do now? My temptation is to run away and hide in my closet (no jokes, please), pile all the clothes on top of me , and pray for a lapse in the space time continuum. But running away never really helped anyone....right?