One evening after dinner, my five-year-old son Eli noticed that his mother had gone out. In answer to his questions, I told him, "Mommy is at a Tupperware party." This explanation satisfied him for only a moment.

Puzzled, he asked, "What's a Tupperware party, Dad?"

I've always given my son honest answers, so I figured a simple explanation would be the best approach. "Well, Eli," I said, "at a Tupperware party, a bunch of ladies sit around and sell plastic bowls to each other."

Eli nodded, indicating that he understood this curious pastime.

Then he burst into laughter.

"Come on, Dad," he said. "What is it really?"