I am trying so hard to do my part to raise two little feminists that will- hopefully- eventually turn into two grown-up feminists who will support others around them. But I think sometimes my teachings may have missed the mark...
Ryder has started this new thing where he likes to flash his man jewels at unsuspecting individuals. Like all of the time. And he thinks it is the funniest thing in the world. I can't even count how many penises I see in one single day. Probably more than a urologist and I can't even bill insurance for it.
So the other day I had a conversation with my little tot about consent. Well a kid's version of the conversation. I told him that it is not appropriate to show someone your underwear area if they do not ask to see it and it's not okay to kiss someone if they do not want to be kissed. Of course he was a little shocked to learn that not everyone wants to see his beloved penis. You know, because he loves it so much.
There are times in parenting when I look back on a teachable moment and think, You know what? I nailed this conversation. I think I really got through to him. And after that conversation I was feeling really upbeat about my parenting skills. But apparently I jumped the gun on this one. A few minutes later, I walked out of the laundry room minding my own business, reflecting on my stellar parenting, trying to ponder if there has ever been a better parent that has walked this earth, when all of a sudden a little Ryder jumps out in front of me with his pants and underwear around his knees, dangling his man jewels while yelling, "Consent!"
Me: "That's not how consent works."
Ryder while pulling his truck underwear up while simultaneously rolling his eyes : "I think you're wrong."
But I thought I still had some hope for the big kid...
Chase has recently learned that he will need to get a tooth pulled. He didn't quite understand in the dentist's office what would happen so on the way home we discussed it.
Me: "The dentist said that your tooth needs to come out."
Chase: "No, it doesn't. It will stay in my mouth."
Me: "I know it's probably not what you want but there isn't a choice. If the tooth stays in your mouth it could cause an infection."
Chase: "So what? Now you don't believe in my body my choice?"
Me: "It doesn't work like that."
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| This is what Ryder looks like when he is disappointed in me for only giving him "One finger" of Pepsi, when he clearly wanted 2. Who are you kid? Jack Daniels? |
