So you guess what we've been up to.
Gideon and I both recommend this book, Once Upon a Potty by Alona Frankel. It comes in a boy and a girl version. I only have one complaint. Yes, Katie, they use a silly word for penis. It's cool 'cause the book talks about all of Joshua's nice and useful parts like he doesn't need to be ashamed that a penis pees and a bum poops, then calls the penis a pee pee. My take on that is that if you don't need to be ashamed of it, why does it need a silly word? I can see the practicality in calling pee and poop that cause urination and bowel movement are hard for lots of kids to say. Plus in this day and age lots of adults don't even know the right words for them. That's all I'd change about the book. No, kids aren't too young for those words. They should be taught there's nothing wrong with those parts, but that they are made to be kept private, just like peeing and pooping are. Also, that many people are uncomfortable talking about them and we should therefore out of respect for others keep our talk about these parts and their actions in a private setting (such as the internet).
Now lets see what kind of comment spam I get from the words in this entry.
Check out this video
of Isaac with our pastor, Leroy. They adore each other.
The boys and I are off to Chattavegas this afternoon. I'll leave the boys there for the weekend (wipes tear dramatically from the corner of her eye) while Andy and I attend Dave and Meadow's wedding and celebrate our fifth anniversary. Thanks yet again, Mom and Dad.
I totally agree with you about teaching kids the right name for body parts, it just makes sense! How can they tell you (or a doctor) if something is wrong if they can't tell you specifically what is hurting, etc? Also you are right, I think it sends the message that there is something shameful or whatever about those body parts when you use silly names. Good luck with the potty training!
Posted by: jlg at May 12, 2005 01:22 PMThat picture is awesome! I've seen the book before too and I'm sure we'll have a copy of our own eventually. I think some of the motivation on teaching a different word is embarassment factor for parents. You know, you're in the elevator with a bunch of people and your little boy says, guess what? I have a penis! I'm not saying don't teach him the right word, but make a rule about it. I have a friend who says you're allowed to say it, but its a bathroom word, so you can only say it when you're in the bathroom. (she has 5 boys) I think I'm going to use that trick with Caleb to prevent public "penis" shouting.
Posted by: michellew at May 15, 2005 08:35 AMIt was nice to meet you this weekend.
Kate received a pottying book complete with annoying flushing sound for her first Christmas. I have no idea why a five month old needs to read about the potty, but we have a book in case the urge strikes!
Posted by: kristen at May 16, 2005 10:47 AMWell, Kristen, I guess you can never start too early? We'll expect Kate to be using the toilet by one.
Posted by: lynnp at May 17, 2005 07:05 PM