Family Tree

To a child the family tree is simple. There’s Daddy, Mummy, Me and Little Brother (and so on, as the case may be). Then there’s the Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. After that comes everyone else in the world –  my Darling Daughter refers to them as ‘Friends’ or ‘Naughty People’. .Each person fits neatly into their stated role and deviation is rarely permitted.

I was talking with Sean in the car about ‘Mom’ feeling sick, when Samantha chimed in, “Mom?”
I answered, “Oh, I’m talking about Nana, Daddy’s Mommy.”
Samantha: “Are you Nana’s Daddy?”
Sean: “No. Nana is my Mommy. Grandad is my Daddy.”
Samantha: “Um, no. I have Mummy, Daddy, Me, my little brother Timothy and Nana and Grandad.”
Sean: “Thats right. And Nana and Grandad are my Mommy and Daddy. And Uncle David is my little brother. Oh, and I have a little sister, too. Aunty Calah.”
Me: “And did you know that Aunty Stephanie is Mummy’s big sister?”

There was a groan from the back seat as Samantha’s brain exploded due to information overload. The intricacies of family relationships are a little overwhelming for a 3 year old.