Thomas

"Dad, Thomas is a baby show!"

The oldest kid announced this at dinner tonight and I nearly fell out of my seat. I discovered that he got it from his best friend at school, so I quickly corrected him, letting him know that it is still one of my favorite shows.

All in one blow I was introduced to my kid growing up beyond what I was ready for and the ugly specter of peer pressure.

Thomas was the first show that my son liked, and ended up being the introduction to the world of children's television programming. My wife and I were amazed as this little two-year old was mesmerised and delighted by a little blue train and his less-than-pleasant pals. The show begat numerous train engines, track, sets and a 5'x3' table to put them on. And from this time to now Thomas has been a fixture in my life. So for him to state that Thomas was beneath him was a blow, the end of an era.

I don't really have a problem with my kids growing up, just that it seems to happen all at once. No gradual moving away from one thing to another. Just blammo! and its done.

The only good part was shortly after this he was upstairs when the game was on, shouting "play as a team! Go Oilers!"

This part of him growing up, I can handle.