The Horror of it All!

Had an interesting day with 3 of my children - 2 biological and 1 tutorial.

Hans has been watching a series of YouTube videos recommended by a classmate. I watched a bit with him and although funny, the videos are super stereotypical of a certain culture. On the way to school, Hans couldn't stop talking about it and laughing about it. And then coincidentally, we met up with the very same classmate who recommended the series to Hans, and both the boys immediately started talking about a particular episode and burst out into laughter.

I wasn't entirely sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing to laugh at a stereotypical depiction of a culture even if it was being depicted by a person from that culture?!

ASid, on the other hand, was sick and was home. He decided to share his conversations with his classmates and friends with me. He started off by saying that it was great that Hans was at school so he could openly talk with me. What was he going to talk about?! Apparently, they are talking about "pleasuring oneself"!! At one point in my life, Smoggie couldn't get me to say the word sex; I would always choose to spell it out and I was well into my 20s. And here I was, chatting candidly with my teenage son about a certain type of sexual activity and finding it strangely normal.

Again, I wasn't entirely sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing to discuss a sexual topic with my 17 year old even if it was being approached from a purely scientific and statistical perspective?!

Finally, there was Sunny, my young Stephen King in the making. This one bounces of the walls and says ridiculous stuff. She decided today that it would be interesting to kill me. Then, she decided that I was offended by what she said, and gave me permission to kill her. I looked at her and suggested that she should write about it. I started off by letting her know that she already has a protagonist and an antagonist. She didn't know what those terms meant. So, I proceeded to explain to her. I told Sunny that the tutor could be a protagonist if she kills an evil student, but an antagonist if she kills innocent students. Sunny got all excited about writing this horror story. We brainstormed and titled her story "Twisted Tutor". Of course, she made me the antagonist!

Was it a good thing or a bad thing that I encouraged a 9 year old to write a horror story?! In this case, I have an answer. Sunny's mom was a little horrified that her daughter picked the theme she picked; however, she was delighted that Sunny looked radiant after her first real attempt to write a horror story.

I couldn't have asked for a better day. 

Spending time with young, inquiring minds that are brimming with curiosity and creativity is an opportunity for me to learn and grow in my dual role as mother and teacher. Giving validity to my kids' concerns and interests is all about providing an opportunity for them to share and mature. If they can share with me, then they are comfortable with the subject. And if I keep an open mind, we are set for life.