Decoding kids is a full-time job. Was that an I-ate-a-cupcake-and-now-I’m-crashing meltdown or an I-feel-a-cold-coming-on-and-I’m-2-and-can’t-tell-you catastrophe?

Either way, we’re grateful for the simple things, like Boy + Girl, a new collection of understated clothing for — you guessed it — boys and girls. Founded by fashion industry vet Christine Chang (Nike, Ralph Lauren), it fills the gap left in the marketplace by, er, the Gap.

There’s no flash or dazzle, just straight-up, laid-back, wash-and-wear sweatshirts with raw edges; wide-neck striped tees; and muted pastel peasant tops constructed from silk/linen blends.

It’s easy does it with fleece sweatpants cut like chinos, ankle-zipper leggings, and cotton twirling skirts with wide, ruched waistbands. Lightweight square blankets in linen and cotton work overtime as scarves for mom and dad — and that’s as complicated as the collection gets.

Problem solved.

Available online at shopboyandgirl.com, $32-$98.

GIGGLE
Uncle Grampa’s Super Enjoyable Story Castle
What: Jellybean the Sarcastic Unicorn and his silly friends star in an interactive show that changes every time (ages 2-8).
Why: Jokes from your junior comedian are more than welcome.
When: Thru Mar. 24. Sat., 11:30 a.m.
Where: Dad’s Garage Theatre Company, 280 Elizabeth St. NE, ste. c101, entrance on Lake Ave. NE, Inman Park (404-523-3141 ext. 201). Tickets online at dadsgarage.com. Adults, $6 in advance/$8 at the door; children, $4 in advance/$6 at the door; under 2, free.

SWEETEN UP
Morning o’ Maple Sugaring
What: Learn how sap is collected from trees, and then take a taste test.
Why: Move over, Mrs. Butterworth.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-noon.
Where: Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Dr., Dunwoody (770-394-3322). Pre-register (required) online at dunwoodynature.org. Adults and children, $6.

SLITHER
Repticon
What: Visit the Reptile Wrangler’s hands-on demo to meet spiders, snakes, and turtles up close.
Why: The only downside? He’ll want a python instead of a puppy.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville (770-963-6522). Tickets online at repticon.com. Adults and teens, $10-$12; children, $5; under 5, free.

Photo: Courtesy of Boy + Girl