Unlike some parents, we don't believe in teaching our kids the proper names for certain parts of the body. Not yet, at least. Given my line of work, I want to preserve my kids' innocence for as long as possible, and frankly speaking, it's a bit unnerving and shocking to hear the technical terms come from a wee child. Eventually, everyone learns the correct words.
When Devlin was a toddler, we visited some friends who also had young children. As Wayne was changing Devlin's diaper, the little boy was very curious and observed the whole procedure. He then asked, "Why does baby Devlin have a tiny penis?" It was amusing, but also a bit startling to hear the correct terminology coming from 5 year old.
So, we use terms like pee-pee and wee-wee and everyone knows where the bum is, since we always say "we have to change your bum" when it's time for a diaper change. It works for us and our family.
And then there was the time at the grocery store, when we were waiting in the long line at the check-out.
Devlin: Mommy, am I a boy?
Me: Yes.
Devlin: I'm a boy, and Daddy's a boy?
Me: Yes (while flipping through a tabloid).
Devlin: Mommy, you a girl? A female?
Me: Mmm... (interesting article on Brad Pitt catching my eye)
Devlin: Mommy? Mommy?
Me: Yes?
Devlin: That means, me and Daddy have pee-pees and you and Ceilidh have wee-wees! Right?
The last comment, of course, was in that loud toddler voice that attracted not only a few stares but quite a few giggles and smile from all those around us.
No comments:
Post a Comment