It was my wife’s 30th birthday, and I wanted to get her something nostalgic. She has always been a massive fan of James Cameron’s Titanic—she can quote the “I’m flying” scene verbatim and still maintains there was plenty of room for Jack on that door. Since we’re collectors of physical media, I tracked down a special anniversary edition on video to add to our shelf.
I wrapped it up, and that morning, our three-year-old son, Leo, watched her open it. His eyes went wide at the shiny packaging.
“Is that a cartoon, Daddy?” he asked, reaching for the box.
“No, buddy,” I said, gently moving it out of reach. “It’s a movie for Mommy’s birthday.”
“Can I watch it after nursery school?” he pleaded.
I made the executive decision right then and there. Knowing the movie is over three hours long, full of tragic sinking ships, and—most importantly—contains that specific scene in the back of a steam-filled Renault, I gave him a firm answer.
“No, Leo. You can’t watch this. This video is just for grown-ups, like Mommy and Daddy.”
He pouted for a second, then shrugged and went to put on his shoes. I thought that was the end of it.
