Picking up the girls from school today, Julianna (she’s 9) requests the radio. Classic Rock.

“Smoking in Boys’ the room!… Smoking in the Boys’ room!”

Julianna: Daddy, no one should smoke at school. It’s against the rules.

Me: Yes, Honey. Smoking is very bad. Please never do that.

J: Yes, and you should ALWAYS obey the rules so no one gets hurt.

[Um. Moral dilemma here. Because, as life will tell you, sometimes the rules suck and need to be broken. Status quo is a recipe for mediocrity and stagnation.]

Me: Well, yes, Sweetie. Usually.

J: What do you mean?

Me: Uh, well, you should obey the rules, but sometimes, sometimes you need to break the rules.

J: I don’t understand.

Me: How old are you?

J: Nine.

Me: Oh, this is easy. Obey the rules. Always. And… Don’t smoke.