Most Chinese people are rather reserved - especially when it comes to children stepping in water puddles.  Well, quite frankly, I am not and I give my daughter free reign on where she steps.  Of course, I’m not talking about a puddle one foot deep (although there rarely are).

Here’s how it plays out on most rainy days.  I let Vanessa wear her Thomas The Train rain boots and then I pretty much let her run around and splash where she likes.  The reactions?  HAHA… here’s the kicker.  Most people who see her will make remarks that border surprise and distaste - happy that it’s not their children doing that and wishing they were brave enough to let them.

The funnier parts are when they do have children with them and the children mimic or at least try to mimic Vanessa.  Their parents will immediately pull them back and chastise them because they will get wet.  Poor kids.  So you see, why can’t children be children?  And honestly, she doesn’t get THAT wet - although one time her socks were soaked through and through.  But that’s what being a child is all about.  It’s about getting wet when it rains and splashing about and kicking your feet up because if you don’t it as a child, when will you do it?  When you’re 30?  Anyways, the other reason I let Vanessa do it is because Victoria laughs her head off.  So it’s free entertainment for my younger child.  Killing two birds with one stone - why not?  Good times.