Uh Oh. The Case of the Not-So-Clever Parent.

The silence should have been my warning cry.

Henry and Will had been playing together nicely all morning with the exception of the occasional screech or territorial struggle over a tower of blocks.

So I really should have noticed the silence.
The first time I had an inkling that something was up, I asked: “Henry, are you OK?” His cheery (perhaps guilty?) response “We OK, Mommy” gave me a false sense of hope. After a couple more “We OKs,” my two boys came into the room to show off their handiwork.

In toddled Will, his face plastered with a combination of pride and joy. Also plastered across his entire face and caked in his hair was what appeared to be the majority of a new extra large tub of Vaseline. Behind him a sheepishly smiling Henry showed off the gobs of Vaseline that hadn’t made it to his brother.

Retreat to the scene of the crime. Vaseline bedspread? Check. Vaseline rug? Check. Many pictures taken? Check. Check. Check.

Six shampoos later - including one with Dawn dish soap as recommended by a friend as a ‘degreaser,’ Will’s head still looked like he hadn’t had a bath in six months. Internet research suggested cornstarch and a clarifying shampoo combination. That worked fine for Henry, who had minimal amounts in his hair. Will was still a grease monkey. The final trick? Baking soda and baby shampoo. One more time and his blond hair may see the light of day.

Maybe you can make me feel better. Do you have a not-so-clever story to share with us? Email info@cleverparents.com with your story and picture. We’d love to share the joy.