We got home a little late this evening. The clouds were threatening rain, but I promised the kids they could play outside for a few moments. C's mind latches on to strange things to play and this evening she couldn't decide if she wanted to play Pokemon or Sonic. After a few moments, she landed on Sonic and she would be Amy. (My knowledge of Sonic ends with the first video game, but I'm guessing there is a character named Amy in one of the games.) Big E decided he would be Sonic. Within moments they were running back and forth, giggling and laughing. As C stopped to catch her breath she leaned over, put her hands on her knees and panted out, "Oh my God!"
Is that what I just heard?
I asked her. She repeated it. Yes, I heard her right.
My heart sank. We don't use that phrase in our house. In fact, that actually ranks higher on our things we don't say list than cursing. And I just heard it come out of my five year olds mouth.
I pulled her aside and explained that we don't say that. That it is disrespectful. That she is allowed to say Oh my goodness. She looked me straight in the eye and said, but Gracie says it all the time!
Ugh!
From context clues, I'm guessing Gracie is a kid in her class- the first evidence that I can't and won't be able to control all her influences. So, I have to counter them. We talked about what happened, why she shouldn't say it, why Gracie's parents might allow her to say it. She said she understood, but I heard it slip two more times this evening. So sad this battle is starting so early, but it is a good reminder that I have to be on my toes. I need to be more observant and ask more questions.
So when the next 'Gracie' teaches my kid bad habits, I will be ready.
I am watching the leaves fall off the tree.
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