This morning Theo and I attended the tail end of a multi-family garage sale held at our old church. Many of our friends were sellers there, and being generous people, tried to give us all their remaining merchandise. I protested, repeatedly saying, "My husband will kill me if I bring home too much stuff." Having just had a garage sale ourselves to slim down our belongings, I was hesitant to load up on more items we really don't need.
I didn't think anything of using this particular figure of speech until Theo pulled me aside and anxiously said, "Daddy would... kill you?" Uh oh. I guess I win the wonderful mom of the day award for thoroughly horrifying my 4 year old. We had a short conversation on the use of language.
This episode got me examining the words I daily use, the figures of speech I employ. Theo really listens to what I and others have to say. He asks me probing questions about conversations he's overheard between family members and friends. He quotes me every day when he over-enthusiastically says--"That's a great idea!" (possibly my most over-used phrase EVER.) Thankfully, as of yet he's not repeated the more unsavory words I sprinkle in from time to time.
I can no longer excuse my language with the "he can't understand what I'm saying" gambit I've used for years. My little boy is growing up. And I should too.
2 comments:
haha, poor little guy! wonder what was going through his mind.
interesting post though... makes ya think. :)
Ah yes, they do teach us something about ourselves, don't they!
I remember one time when my kids started acting as impatient as me with the pokey driver in front of us...I think I used the term "idiot" or "moron" a little more than I should've in the car...sigh. It was a wake up call...yes, if they're listening, I guess God is too. I still need lots of work though.
Thanks for this reminder.
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