Devlin overheard his Auntie Grace use the word "stupid" in a sentence. In a chastising tone, he said "That's a bad word. You're not allowed to say 'stupid'. Only grown-ups can say that."
Twenty-something years old Auntie Grace responds, "You're right, that was a bad word. But I am grown-up so I can use it."
Devlin: No you're not a grown up because you're not married and you don't have kids.
Grace: What about Uncle Billy? Is he a grown up?
Devlin: Nope. Not married.
Grace: Well, Auntie Shunaha and Uncle Nowell are married. Can they use that word?
Devlin: They don't have kids, so they're not grown-ups.
Grace: What about Grandma and Grandpa?
Devlin: (after a pause indicating some serious thought) They have kids, so, yeah, they can use that word. And Mommy and Daddy too. But no one else.
In his 5 year old view of the world, he's nailed it. You're really NOT grown-up until you are given the monumental task of being responsible for another's well-being - physically, emotionally, mentally. We're always in a rush to "grow up" and reach those milestones that signify we've reached adulthood. Getting a driver's license, going to university, moving away from home, getting a job, getting a mortgage, getting married, hosting that first couples only dinner party, buying a car.
But now that I'm here, I can positively state that I agree with my son - you're not a grown up until you have kids!
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