Social conventions

Although its lovely in many ways to see how uninhibited children are, in other ways I can’t wait until the girls learn what not to say in public.

Today we went to a transport museum, and took a ride on a tram.  Waiting for the return journey, the tram unexpectedly lost power and we had a little wait inside a rather packed and hot tram.  Fortunately, we were sitting at the front, and the tram driver and conductor left the door open to let in a breeze.  As we sat waiting, I idly watched the driver and conductor chatting outside.  After a few moments I realised with a jolt that the driver, despite initial appearances, was a man.  He had long hair tied in a pony tail, and quite feminine features, but once I got a proper look at him I could see quite clearly he was male.  

My mind wandered onwards [when will this jolly tram start again, will one of the 20 children jammed onto it have a tantrum before it does...etc], when suddenly my reverie was broken by my three year old: 

“What is the lady doing outside?”  

Needless to say, this was said at very high pitch and high volume.  I cringed, hoped he hadn’t heard.  

“Its a man sweetie, and he is waiting for the tram to start again”.

“No, its a GIRL.”

“No, sweetie, its a man.  Sometimes men have long hair.” [Cringe cringe cringe]

“Why does the man have long hair?” [This is said at such high volume there is no way he hasn't heard by now.]

“I don’t know, not every man likes short hair.”

And on it went.  I cringed so much I almost turned inside out, but if the driver did hear, he kept any embarrassment or annoyance well hidden.  And as far as I’m concerned, being uninhibited is overrated.