Gripping the gunwhales |
But as a parent, I struggle with my reactions when I hear my boys using words or phrases that have a more R-rated connotation. If I discourage it, their unending curiosity is sparked and it's likely to make using the language a very enticing way to get a reaction from their mom. But if I ignore it, I run the risk of seriously awkward social situations.
My three current dilemmas:
My 6 year old has been shouting, "that's the money shot!" as he kicks the football around the backyard. He just means it was a perfect kick and that it went exactly where he wanted it to go. I mean, his contextual use is completely accurate, but he's also totally ignorant of the origin of that phrase. Our neighbors are outdoors a lot. They are going to think we let him watch Boogie Nights.
Similarly, when we were driving in Oakland near the Carnegie Museum complex, my husband was paralyzed with laughter when the same son shouted, "Look Dad, a whale tail!" To my 6 year old (and me) the only possible definition could be the tail of a real whale, and in this case, it was the huge poster advertising the whale exhibit at the museum. But to my street-savvy spouse, it referenced a rather questionable fashion choice. Luckily the car windows were up, or quite a few Pitt students would've been disappointed that there wasn't a "real" whale tail for their viewing pleasure.
Who loves nuts? |
Finally, my 4-year-old was crying last night, very loudly, and saying, "I need my nuts!" It's really just his undying love of pistachios as his before-bed snack. He really loves those nuts. But what if he starts mentioning to other kids how much he loves his nuts? How am I going to explain that to the parents from daycare? Surely they've been in the same boat, wondering how they are going to explain that the phrase "poop deck" doesn't mean this actually where you poop and no, no one's pooped on this deck. It's just a phrase, and no I don't know where it came from. Just eat your nuts.
A last thought on my own post...I wonder how old my boys will be when they get the "One-Eyed Willie" joke from the movie "Goonies." Then I'll know they are ready to move out.
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