Too Smart for Oedipus

Lola had an Oedipal moment last night when she declared while we were all sitting on the couch that she was married to Daddy. I did what the development books say you are supposed to do, which is to assert the truth, calmly. "Well, Lola, actually I'm married to Daddy. Daddy is my husband." Lola replied, smiling, "No, he's my husband." Again, I followed the textbook. "I'm married to Daddy, but when you grow up you'll find someone very nice to marry." Lola didn't react as the books said she would, though. Instead, she looked very distressed and wailed, "But I want to stay with YOU," meaning both Daddy and I. Josh said, "Ooh, she is smart." I instantly tried to make it right. "Lola, you're going to stay with us forever. We'll always be your mommy and daddy, and we'll always love you." This tack calmed her immediately. I think the Oedipal instinct is a little more complicated than the books say!