Two years of big-kid school under our belts, and I haven’t
encountered many “bad words” from the girls.
Here and there I’ve gotten a report about someone saying a particular
word at school. I remember “butt” and “OMG”
being discussion points at our house, but the girls have generally been very
smart about asking us if they think a word or phrase seems out of place.
We’ve reinforced with the girls that they will never get in
trouble for asking us a question. We
talk about what a word or phrase means, and why it’s not appropriate. We remind the girls how hurtful words can be,
and how people will sometimes try to garner power by the words they use.
Often, when I read to the girls, I edit text here and
there. I don’t like the words “fool” or “ugly”,
for example, and I rarely say them. Now
that they can read so proficiently, the girls will sometimes call me on my omission. We’ll talk about why I changed the text, and
discuss words the author could have used in their places.
A few days ago, I was reading the sixth Little House on the
Prairie book to the girls. I’d edited
the word “stupid” a few times, but I decided to say it for the purpose of
discussion. Of course it was used in a
different context as to what might be heard on the elementary school
playground, but I thought it would make a good point of conversation.
The girls’ reaction was one of seven-year old
innocence. “Laura’s fingers felt numb
and stupid,” I think the line went. Both
girls’ mouths dropped open. They both
gasped slightly and looked at me with big eyes.
I couldn’t help a little smile.
I was glad for the opportunity to discuss the use of the
word. And I was proud that they
recognized that word as one we do not use.
May they always recoil when they recognize something inappropriate,
and may the ways of the world not numb them to what is right.
1 comment:
Oh, lucky you. My girls learned the 'f' word in KINDERGARTEN. Seriously. Where do you even go from there? ;) Luckily, the 'sh' word is still shut up and the 'b' word is barf. Haha! Its good to keep them innocent and sweet.
Funny side story:
I was whispering to my friend Kari about how the twins had learned the offending word in kinder. She (very indingnantly) said "Oh, Graciela still doesn't know THAT word!" To which her daughter looks over and says "Oh, you mean F**K? Yeah, I know that one and some other ones too!" Hahahaha!
Post a Comment