I went to shower today and was interrupted by my son basically telling me that his brother showed him his butt in order to tease him. Another brother did the same thing. Here we go....
shower art by my son
I don't want to give my kids a complex about their bodies or think about them in a negative way. There isn't anything wrong with being naked, but there is a time and place for it. This brings me to my "appropriate" analogy. I asked the kids if cartwheels are bad, to which they replied, "no." Then I explained to them that doing cartwheels in the Chapel at church would be inappropriate. Cartwheels aren't bad, but there is a time and a place to do them. We also wouldn't do them at funerals, etc. Being naked isn't a bad thing. Our bodies are amazing things, but we need to respect them and be appropriate with our bodies.
falling asleep on me at church
We are raising our boys to be gentlemen. My goal is for them to become good men with good manners. We have talked to them multiple times about not making jokes using private parts, body functions or fluids. We have also talked to them in the past about their bodies and showing respect to theirs and others' bodies.
The magic words in parenting are consistency, persistency, and communication. I told them that God gave us our bodies and that we need to respect them. I asked when it is okay to be naked, and they told me when showering. I also told them that it is okay at the doctors and sometimes when you are swimming by yourself because that does happen sometimes. I teach them that using our bodies to tease others or joke with our private parts is inappropriate.
We also talked again about not making jokes that involve poop, pee, and butts or other private parts. I explained that it lowers their standards by being crude, and it abases themselves. I told them there are thousands upon thousands of jokes and joke books that have nothing to do with being vulgar. I assured them that they could be funny without having to joke about butts, poop, etc. I asked them to not bring themselves down by joking in that way and being crass.
The last thing we talked about was that there would be adults who are choosing to do things, but that doesn't mean it is okay for them to replicate them.
"Are there adults who swear?"
"Yes."
"Do we swear?"
"No."
"Are there adults who smoke?"
"Yes."
"Is it okay for you to smoke?"
"No."
"Some adults will also do things with their bodies or joke in a way that is not appropriate for you to do either. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
This was our conversation with the kids today. We will probably repeat it again multiple times. They will make their own choices one day, and may disregard all of this, but until then.... Rinse and Repeat.
sunset tonight
