As a parent, I envisioned imparting grand lessons of confidence, kindness, and a deep appreciation for literature to my children. While I’m still striving for that, I’ve inadvertently introduced them to some rather unexpected lessons along the way.
The Art of Swearing
Just yesterday, while driving to a community event, my eldest, Ethan, suddenly recalled an item he’d left behind and exclaimed a well-timed curse. My partner, James, and I exchanged glances, torn between reprimanding him and feeling a flicker of pride.
James: “What did you just say?”
Ethan: “What?”
James: “You heard me!”
Ethan: “What?”
In our household, we opted out of a swear jar—after all, I still need to keep my budget for those essential Costco trips. Instead of calling them “bad words,” we refer to them as “adult words.” Swearing is just one of those perks of growing up—along with wine and skipping bedtimes. Although I try to keep a lid on my own swearing, life has a way of presenting those perfect moments, like stubbing a toe or being cut off on the road.
Having grown up in a conservative household where swearing was off-limits, I developed a rather intense anxiety about using such words. How does one casually integrate them into conversation? My attempts to drop a curse word here and there were met with disbelief from my peers, who had no clue how hard I was trying. That’s not the path I want for my kids. When I catch them using these “adult words,” I raise my eyebrows and feign shock, only to hear them respond with a bemused, “Mom, seriously?”
Embracing Farting
When I first met James, he was surprised to discover my reluctance to pass gas in front of him. I just knew he wasn’t ready for that side of me. But once I broke that barrier, it was all downhill from there.
In my family, “tooting” was reserved strictly for the bathroom, which was a tough rule for someone prone to stomachaches. Over time, I’ve become much more relaxed about it.
Recently, while shopping at a discount store, I decided to let one slip in the children’s clothing aisle, convinced it would be discreet. It wasn’t. The sound echoed through the store like a siren, and I wanted to disappear into the racks. In a moment of desperation, I turned to my 4-year-old, Maya, and loudly asked, “Sweetheart, do you need to use the restroom?” Not my proudest parenting moment.
However, being a parent does come with its perks, such as fostering a family where gas is just a part of life. My kids are completely unashamed of it, which can be amusing—yet problematic—during long car rides or church services.
Dancing with Abandon
While I might not qualify as a skilled dancer, my enthusiasm more than makes up for it. Whenever a favorite song plays, I can’t help but move, and my children have inherited this love for spontaneous dance parties. We’ll break out into dance at the grocery store, in the car, or even on the sidewalk. It’s like our own little flash mob—minus the coordination.
My oldest son, Ethan, has a unique interpretation of dance; he believes wrestling is synonymous with it, often resulting in a chaotic flurry of flailing limbs and sibling shouts. He’s going to thrive in mosh pits someday.
The Importance of Apologizing
There are moments when I react before my brain catches up, leading to frequent apologies. I used to feel guilty about this until I overheard my younger kids, Emma and Noah, preparing for school one day.
Noah: “Emma, move! You’re in my way!”
*Pause*
“Sorry, Emma, I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that.”
Emma: “I forgive you.”
In that moment, I felt a swell of pride. No one is perfect—not me, nor them. The ability to apologize and forgive is a valuable skill that will serve them well.
So yes, we continue to read great books and discuss confidence and kindness. But we also embrace the silly moments—like dancing and the occasional fart. I cherish my quirky little family just as we are.
For those exploring the journey of parenthood, consider checking out resources like this informative post on home insemination. Additionally, Make A Mom provides valuable information on the essential tools for this process, and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination guidance.
In summary, parenting is an unpredictable journey filled with lessons that go beyond the intended curriculum, and I wouldn’t change a thing.