Or Worse: Dead

My youngest son, 9, and daughter, 11, are into the apparently popular web-based cartoon characters called Webkinz. Gift shops sell Webkinz stuffed animals as well.

The premise of Webkinz is not unlike the Tamagotchi electronic keychain pets: you have to care for them and electronically "feed" them and give them attention in order for the characters to thrive and grow.

On our way home from a nephew's birthday party today, my daughter asked me if she could get online when we got home because she hasn't visited her Webkinz character in two days. I said it was fine and expressed some mild interest in on how long she had not been to Webkinz site. She replied, "Oh that's nothing; Ethan hasn't been to his Webkinz for like a week."

"What does that mean?" I asked. "What happens if you go that long?"

"It means the Webkinz is going to be really upset. Or worse: ..." she said. Then, without missing a beat, in her evil, demon-possessed voice, she leaned over and whispered to Ethan, "Dead."

"Tabitha!" I barked.

Her response was a quiet giggle.