Cindi Simmonds (October 5, 2011)

Kids are so transparent. Need I say more?

Nick: "Mom you're the best cook in the whole world."

Mom: "Thanks honey."

Nick: "Can I have another one of your yummy cookies?" (I could have seen that one coming a mile away).

Katie: "Mom, I love you as big as a house. You're the best mom in the whole world."

Mom: "I love you too honey, as big as the universe."

Katie: "Mom, can I watch a cartoon?"

My kids are so transparent, which is probably a good thing. I shudder to think of the day they become less so; at least now I know when I am being manipulated.

Nick and Katie are big fans of cartoons—what kid isn't? As the voice of reason in our household, I carefully monitor what they watch and when. Last February they started taking Spanish in addition to Mandarin at Language Stars. I love that I can easily obtain Spanish cartoons. I have managed to get a few cartoons in Mandarin, but that involves a trip to China Town and serious guessing! Since the information about the cartoons is in Mandarin, whether or not I find something my kids will enjoy is hit or miss. So far, mostly miss. Spanish, however, is another story.

I discovered three of their favorite cartoons are shown in Spanish on Saturday mornings: "Dora the Explorer", "Go Diego Go", and the "Backyardigans ." I set them to record every weekend. Nick found it fascinating that this version of Dora is mostly in Spanish with a little bit of English. I explained that the cartoon was designed to teach children who spoke Spanish a little bit of English, just like "our" Dora was mostly in English, with a bit of Spanish for him to learn. "Cool," was his reply.

My personal favorite, in both English and Spanish, is the Backyardigans. It is about a group of five friends who go on "adventures" together in their backyards—finding mermaids, sailing the seven seas as pirates, exploring caves, etc. Like all good adventures, they end with a snack (a fact most moms will appreciate). One night I allowed Nick to watch the Backyardigans (in Spanish) right before bed. He had seen this particular episode in English, so he was able to follow it in Spanish quite well. Before the cartoon started, I warned him that this was the only cartoon—and then bed! (Actually, it was already bedtime, but I was in the middle of something I needed to finish—enter the electronic babysitter!).

When the cartoon finished, he smiled and said, "¿Mama, uno más, por favor?" Seriously!! How could I say no? Of course, I didn't. I started another one.

A few days later, I overheard the following conversation between Nick and his grandmother.

Nick: "Hey Grandma, I have something silly to tell you."

Grandma: "What Nick?"

Nick: "You know how I can get Mom to let me watch another cartoon, even if she already said, 'No'?"

Grandma: "No, tell me."

Nick: (in a conspiratorial tone) "I just say, '¿Mama, uno más, por favor?'!"

Grandma: (laughs)

I laughed too (but not too loudly). He's got me totally figured out! Yes, kids are transparent. But, in this case, so was his mom!

Cindi