This story “literally” made me stop in my tracks.
Many years ago, a little 4 year old girl named Chloe* was in my
class. One day, Chloe’s mom had a schedule conflict and since the family lived in my neighborhood, I offered to drive her daughter home after school.
Times were different then. I didn’t need to worry about liability as a teacher driving a student. I didn’t need to bother with car seats; seat belts were enough. But that’s beside the point. Back to my story about a four-year-old and her very literal language…
The school day was done. The children had been dismissed. It was just me and Chloe. “Okay, Chloe, let’s go!” I said as we got in my mini van. With Chloe buckled in the back seat, I set my school bag on the front passenger seat and my water bottle in the cup holder. Off we went.
As kids often do in the car, Chloe chatted about the day. It was exciting for her to ride in her teacher’s car! As we conversed, I reached for my water bottle and took a sip. Suddenly, coming from the back seat was a very animated little voice. “Miss Theresa, are you DRINKING & DRIVING?!”
I froze, water bottle in hand. My mind raced. You see, I know 4 year olds. They are very literal in their language. I was in fact “drinking and driving”- literally!
In that split second, I debated with myself. Do I split hairs with Chloe and explain the difference of water and alcohol? That water isn’t dangerous but drinking alcohol and then driving is? Do I get this deep with a preschooler in our 10 minute car ride?
No, in this briefest of moments I decided that this “drinking and driving” conversation was better left to Chloe’s mom. Surely Chloe had heard somewhere “Don’t drink and drive.” She took the phrase literally as four year old children do. She saw her teacher take a sip (of water!) as she drove. In her mind, I was indeed “drinking and driving!”
I set my water bottle in the cup holder and calmly said, “You are right, Chloe. I shouldn’t drink and drive.” Chloe smiled. I’m sure she was happy to know we were all safe again!
Inside, I was cracking up at the whole thing. Of course I made a mental note to tell mother her mom about our exchange so that in case Chloe mentioned that “Miss Theresa was drinking and driving” she’d know precisely what had happened! Phew!
*name changed