Random Thoughts:
This week I was driving Cady to school. I was stopped in the turning lane at the traffic signal when I heard from the back seat…
“That is so gay.”
“umm… huh? What did you just say?”
“That {pointing to the blow up cowboy at the car dealership on the corner}… That is so gay.”
The light changed and I pulled into traffic. “What do you think that word means?”
“Gay? It means, like, something is stupid.”
“Actually it doesn’t, and it is not very nice to use it that way either.”
“Well what does it mean then?”
“It means like when two boys or two girls like each other.”
“So like me and my friend?”
“No. That is friend like. I mean like when two boys like each other for boyfriends or two girls like each other for girlfriends.”
“Oh, you mean like, LIKE like.”
I turned on the street that leads to the school. “Yep, that’s what I mean. And it isn’t nice to use that word to mean something ugly. That’s kind of like making fun of people that are that way. Got it?”
“Yep. I got it.”
A minute later I pull up to the school, and she jumps out of the car. “I love you babe.”
“Love you too Mom.”
And just like that, in a five minute conversation, my daughter knows what gay means, and that it is wrong to be mean to people that are gay. See how easy that was? If a seven year old can get it why can’t adults?
A Photo Just Because:
Ms. Cady learned how to blow a bubble, and she could not be more proud of herself. And I have to admit, it is a pretty cool thing to learn how to do.
Pin of the Week:
Source: babyblues.wikia.com via Jennifer on Pinterest
That explains it.
Stuff I Did This Week:
Well one of the most exciting things that I think happened this week was that I was quoted in an article for US News and World Report about the rising cost of daycare. Does that make me an expert? In addition to being a Ms. Quotable Smarty Pants I gave y’all a copy of my monthly menu for September, I wrote about a traumatic event I experienced with a friend, and I gave you a list of 41 things you may not know about me.
Some Great Stuff I Read:
- Wendy Nielsen is writing a series called Breast Cancer 101. She is a breast cancer survivor so I have a feeling it is going to be very informative. Be sure to check it out and subscribe to her blog so you don’t miss any of it.
- Missy at Literal Mom wrote about behavior contracts she uses with her children. I LOVE this idea and definitely see how it could be extremely beneficial, especially with older kids.
- I would love it if you would go vote for my friend Melissa (aka Bargain Shopper Mom) to be a brand ambassador for 6PM. The top six will get the opportunity. Let’s help her out!
The rest of these are somewhat political in nature (because I’m becoming more and more obsessed) so if you aren’t into that you can skip these.
- An article from Fox News stating that “history actually shows that the U.S. economy, stock prices and corporate profits have generated stronger growth under Democratic administrations than Republican ones.” Something I actually already knew, but I love that they reported it.
- This article, 7 Things Christians Need to Remember About Politics, is the single best non-partisan article I have ever read about Christianity and politics.
- This last post was written by Heather from the Extraordinary Ordinary as a post on A Deeper Family and it is just simply amazing. Pretty much like Heather herself.
Oh goodness, thank you.
You’re a good Mama!
Takes one to know one.
Good for you mama! I hope all parents will stop and take moments like those as teachable moments as well. Great job!!
It really is the small moments where they learn the biggest lessons.
PS Congratulations!
“my daughter knows what gay means, and that it is wrong to be people that are gay” – I’m pretty sure there are some words missing in this sentence. :}
I’m pretty sure you are right. I changed it. Thanks for the catch.
THAT’s what I thought you meant.
Thank you.
The problem is that most people don’t bother to teacher their 7 year olds those things so by the time that child has reached adult hood they have no idea what they are talking about.
Children are so accepting.
Now I have to go read Literal Mom…
You are right. That makes me sad.
You get quoted a lot. U.S. News is late on the scene.
Your 41 things post is one of my all time favorites.
It is so simple to teach children to be gentle.
It is so very simple. And loving. Children come into this world geared to love. We are the ones that change that.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN?!?!?!
Oh. You just explained it to her like gay people are human beings deserving to be treated just like everyone else.
Never mind.
Seriously, though, why do people act as if explaining that some boys like boys and some girls like girls involves hard core graphic explanations of the logistics involved? I guess bigots will use anything to avoid having to rationalize their bigotry.
I don’t get it either. Kids understand love way better than we do.
LOVE LOVE LOVE your approach. You are super awesome!
I loved reading this. I had the same conversation with my 7 year old daughter when she told me someone made fun of her because she liked the group One Direction. “One Direction is gay.” — So glad there are parents out there like you as well.