When I envisioned parenthood, I had lofty aspirations for the lessons I would impart to my children. I dreamt of teaching them self-confidence, kindness, and a passion for reading. While those goals remain on my radar, I’ve inadvertently introduced them to a few unexpected life lessons.
The Art of Swearing
Just yesterday, while en route to a family gathering, my eldest daughter let out a perfectly timed expletive after realizing she forgot her favorite toy at home. My partner and I exchanged glances. Should I be upset, or should I feel a hint of pride?
Partner: “What did you just say?”
Kid: “What?”
Partner: “You know what I mean!”
Kid: “No, I don’t.”
In our home, we don’t have a swear jar — mainly because I still need to fund my coffee habit and grocery shopping. We refer to them as “adult words” because, let’s face it, swearing feels like a grown-up privilege, alongside late nights and a glass of wine. I try to keep my language clean, but you never know when you might stub your toe or encounter a rude driver.
Having grown up in a household where swearing was strictly forbidden, I developed an intense anxiety around cursing during my teenage years. Just how does one casually incorporate those “bad” words? I never quite got the hang of it. Thankfully, I’m determined to spare my kids that awkward phase. When I hear them slip out an adult word, I raise my eyebrows and ask, “Where did you hear that?” To which they respond, “Oh, come on, Mom!”
Embracing Flatulence
When I first met my partner, he was shocked that I never passed gas in his presence. I instinctively knew he wasn’t quite ready for that revelation. But when I finally let one slip, the look on his face was priceless — as if he expected something floral instead.
In my family, we were taught that “toots” were strictly a bathroom affair. Unfortunately, that lifestyle didn’t suit me, especially when dealing with stomachaches. Nowadays, I’m much more liberated! Just the other day, while shopping at a local store, I decided to let one rip in the children’s clothing aisle, thinking it would be a silent release. Spoiler: it wasn’t.
The sound echoed throughout the store, and I felt like disappearing into the nearest clearance rack. In a moment of desperation, I turned to my sweet four-year-old, who was browsing dresses, and exclaimed, “Do you need to go potty, sweetheart?” Not my finest hour. Nevertheless, we’ve embraced a carefree approach to flatulence in our household. My kids have zero shame about it, which can be a bit problematic during road trips or at church.
Dancing Like No One’s Watching
While I wouldn’t classify myself as a skilled dancer, I make up for it with enthusiasm. When my jam comes on, it’s time to move, and my kids share my passion. We break into spontaneous dance parties in the car, at the grocery store, and even on sidewalks. It’s like a flash mob — without the coordination.
My eldest son, however, confuses wrestling with dancing, often turning our dance parties into playful brawls. It’s a chaotic but fun mix that will surely prepare him for future mosh pits.
The Power of Apologizing
I often find myself reacting before my brain catches up, which results in a lot of “I’m sorry.” I used to feel guilty about this until I overheard my two middle kids preparing for school.
Him: “Emma, move! You’re in my way!”
*Pause*
“Sorry, Emma, that wasn’t nice.”
Her: “It’s okay, I forgive you.”
In that moment, I felt a surge of pride. Nobody is perfect — not me, and certainly not them — but being able to apologize is an invaluable skill.
So, while we’re still diving into great literature and discussing kindness and confidence, we’re also enjoying spontaneous dance-offs and embracing our bodily functions. I adore my little family — quirks and all.
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Summary
In the end, parenting is a blend of teaching essential life skills and embracing the humorous moments that come with raising kids. From swearing and farting to dancing and apologizing, these lessons make our family unique and cherished.
Keyphrase: Parenting lessons
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