What do you want to do when you grow up? | ChristianToday Australia

My wife recently headed into my youngest son's kindy for the afternoon pickup and was confronted by an array of giggles. The mothers were cooing and fawning over a statement my son had made and somehow his comment had made its way home.

Now I am not saying my son is popular or that my parenting skills are lacking, but we had been told that he had to be talked to by his teacher for some kissing incidents that had taken place. He had also recently confided in us that he had been hiding from the teacher to allow the girls to "have their turn" getting kissed by him.

There were some upset girls (and mothers), after his scheme had been somewhat foiled, who didn't get to have their turn and well - I am not sure what we were supposed to suggest to rectify that particular situation.

So my wife enters the kindy and with dread she feels the whole of the kindy mother crew ready to pounce on her with the news of his latest statement. The kindy had asked the age ol' question: "What do you want to do when you grow up?"

Simple. Just answer the question like all 5 year old boys - Doctor, Fireman, Policeman, Avenger or Truck Driver. Can't be that hard.

No…my son decides to pipe up, "I want to be a Dad with 6 kids!!" And the kindy Mums think that is cute!?

My wife sheepishly feigned a polite laugh and yet inside she was ready for the earth to swallow her right there and then. She moved to the pick up spot and asked to speak to the teacher so she could get to the bottom of this latest kindy escapade.

The kindy teacher laughed his answer off and said she was touched by his heart. My wife remained inwardly perplexed until she heard the reason why.

"No, it's fine. He said the reason he wanted to be a Dad with lots of kids is so he could be a Dad to all the kids who don't have Dads. He must have a fine role model as a Dad!"

I am proud. I am touched. I am honoured to have my five year old son see me in this way. I gave him an extra hug that night. I also shared with him how Jesus loves the children of the world.

How we are here to love those who feel no love, to be Jesus (and Dads!) to those who don't know God like we do. To be Jesus (and Dads!) to the world is a fine lesson to teach our children.

As for the great kissing incidents of 2013…let's just say, bring on Prep 2014. I am sure there will be more stories to share!

Russell Modlin teaches English and Physical Education at a Christian School on the Sunshine Coast. He is married to Belinda and they have three children.

Russell Modlin's archive of previous article can be found at