Source: Bet On It
by Bryan Caplan
“Kids say the darndest things — and ask the darndest questions. Especially when they were 8-12 years old, my kids would often bring up sensitive topics at dinner. Sexy topics. Disgusting topics. Sexy, disgusting topics. Though I was proud of their unconventional curiosity, I didn’t want to ruin dinner for the whole family. Before long, I came up with a simple response to defuse such situations: ‘Ask me again after dinner.’ A response that simultaneously expresses two distinct positions: First, it’s a fine question to ask, and I’m happy to discuss it with you in detail before bedtime. Second, it’s a bad question to ask right now, so let’s change the subject so everyone has a nice dinner.” (12/03/25)