Can’t prove a Negative

This is a little piece of info that Hubby likes to throw out there.  Recently I was on the receiving end of that little quip biting me in the ass.

The little kids have been complaining they are scared of pretty much everything lately.  Always want an escort to the bathroom.  Or upstairs.  Want someone to sleep with them every night.  We try and try to reassure them that they are safe here.  We will protect them.  No one could get in without the dogs going nuts.  All very logical stuff.

But T started a debate with me about monsters.  We’ve repeatedly told them that they aren’t real.  He fires back with a question of whether or not we’ve ever seen a monster.   Well, no, since they aren’t real.  Well if we have never seen one, how can we prove they are not real.  Huh?  Oh, crap.  Can’t prove a negative.  Dammit.

Change tactics.  I ask if he has ever seen a real monster.  No, he answers.  I ask if anyone has ever seen a real monster.  No, he answers.  OK, if so many people in the world have never seen a monster, then it isn’t very likely that a monster is going to show up in his room and he will be the first person to ever see a real monster.  He mulls this over.  I think I win.  He’s willing to concur for now.  At least until bedtime.

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