Naughty Words…..
bullshit (n.)
“eloquent and insincere rhetoric,” 1915, American English slang; see bull (n.1) + shit (n.), probably because it smells. But bull in the sense of “trivial or false statements” (1914), which usually is associated with this, might be a continuation of the Middle English bull “false talk, fraud” (see bull (n.3)).
At age four Ian screamed “Bullshit” to his seven-year-old sister Olivia. I glanced over to the living room and silently pondered the best way to “parent” this situation.
I probably “ponder” those “best way to parent” thoughts far too often.
I walked over to my darling children and asked them both to sit for a moment. Olivia replies, “ Is this going to be a TALK IT OUT problem Mom, or a SIT ON THE STEP ?”
Clearly, I have no idea what I am doing. I think to myself- This is Bullshit.
My reply was “Give me a minute while I answer my phone.” That was a lie as my phone was not ringing. I needed to regroup and ran to my room and computer.
I decided to have them both come to the kitchen table and it surprised them. Ian said, “MOM, NO I DO NOT WANT MY MOUTH WASHED OUT!”
I said, “Where did you ever hear of that?” “Gary’s dad did that to him when he said Fxxxed!”
So, unbeknownst to me, I was on to something here. I opened my computer and had them watch this video of Jimmy Kimmel. I turned to silly resources to get their attention and make a lasting impression.
“What did you think of that?” I asked. “I am thirsty!” Ian replied. So much for having his attention.
“I want to know what you think about the video.” “All kids do it, MOM,” Olivia replies. Ian nods. I think to myself that old adage if all people jumped off the bridge would you follow, but thought it best to keep quiet.
“Yes, that is true. We all misspeak at times. It is important not to use words in a hurtful manner. There is no need to make someone feel bad. Saying mean things hurt people inside even though we cannot see it. Can we all try to be nicer to one another?” They both acknowledge my words.
Adults and children hear and see mean things all of the time. Human Nature, yin/yang, good-evil.
There is both a strength and a poison that can be found in words. We cannot hide from voices of disgust. We must teach our children ways to both understand and use words to both encourage and express themselves in a way that does not belittle others.
I need to be a bit easier on myself in this whole single-parenting thing. I will screw up. That is ok. I am perfectly imperfect. I have gotten this far on my own. With humor and good friends, I can go the distance.
Be Safe Out There People.
