As it is most of the time when many members of my family are around, we get on a topic that I am not sure how or why we’ve arrived at… Aaron and Beck were visiting for the weekend and on Saturday afternoon we were all lazing around at my parents’ house, napping and watching football, and tickling all of the children who were intermittently running in and out of the living room.
At one point, Mom asked Joe (6) what he should do if a stranger attempted to grab him. “Yell!” he said and then he proceeded to demonstrate just how loud and obnoxiously he could yell. We were impressed overall, but Mom wanted to hammer the point home. “Yes, yell- but what should you yell? Do you remember what word I told you to yell if someone tries to grab you?” Joe looked at her for a second, clearly searching his memory and wanting to answer correctly. “Cuss words?” he offered. We all died laughing and Mom did a shock-laugh and then between giggles tried to convince the room that she certainly hadn’t told the kids to yell swear words at scary strangers (sure, Mom!)
She moved and asked Josh (4) but since he had seen the comedic reaction his brother got, he also answered “cuss words” and the erupted into laughter.
It turns out Mom had told them to yell “JESUS” which isn’t a horrible idea, although Aaron and Beck offered “HELP” might not be a bad suggestion. I threw in my two cents, “Joe, you could yell ‘HEY YOU ARE NOT MY DADDY!’ too” to which he quickly (and wittingly) responded, “but it might be my daddy”
Joe has never seen his bio dad, so while its not funny, sometimes its laugh or cry, you know?
My mom would have taught us to say Jesus too, if she had thought of it…oh those precious boys. Bless their hearts.
Laugh, I always choose laugh. Too funny! Cuss words…whatever works I guess
This reminds me of what the Sunday school teacher said when I came to pick Christopher (3) up last week.
“I asked the kids who was on the the ark with Noah. They all shouted, “JESUS!”"
I kid you not.
I just bought and used a ‘Pedi Egg” that you rave about. Loved it!!!!!
I love to read all your stories about Josh and Joey. Let’s just face it. I love to read EVERYTHING you write!!
Grins. At least they have the yelling concept down.
that is so funny. i have tried to tell my kids to beware of strangers in many different ways and TRIED to explain to them what a stranger is. But the bottom line is… they are suckers for candy. Thats ALL it will take for mine to get in a car with a very scary person!
My mom taught me to yell FIRE, because so many people yell “help” as a joke…but if you threaten people with fire, they really care.
[...] still wasn’t interested in breakfast) so we read books and he chased the cat around. Mom and Joshy stopped by and played for a little bit and then we went to the gym and then over to say hello to [...]