Stupid Conundrum

Lately we have been in a stupid conundrum. Our youngest has learned the word “stupid”, from his older brothers, who evidently learned it from others, perhaps us.  The term “stupidhead” has been used around the house a little too often lately – between the boys and as we are entering the cabin fever phase of winter, hearing "stupid" has gotten too commonplace.

I seriously believe it is one of those that came out from the great elementary school melting pot… and this is probably just the beginning. Other various terms of endearment will probably be coming down the pipe soon enough - ugh.

As our youngest begins to speak more fluently and picks up vocabulary from around the house – it is difficult to not relate the situation to a gutter. As in a gravity fed, potty open mouthed system, directing mass its way, picking up everything that is washed into it… good or bad.

Our third isn’t a gutter, but he does pick up various things that the rest of the family does or says - with seemingly more influence from his older siblings than his parents. And it seems fairly difficult, as busy parents, to direct only good things, "pleasant thoughts" (where is Glinda when you need her?) into their heads.

I’ve been trying to get him to say “Scooby” as in “scoobyhead” instead of stupid. It’s a halfhearted battle and there isn’t much coming out of it. And as we all know, the intent is the same.

Although when he says it at this point, he only truly means it negatively 50% of the time as compared to just stomping around saying stupid. Which seems to start relaying to that term “stupid is as stupid does”….

We have also, as of the past week, started an attempt at scrubbing the word from our household’s existence. Saying “don’t say that word!” as soon as it is said – by anybody in the household. But, this reaction seems to be procuring more “stupid” action. As in, I believe this is only enabling it to get used more often – perhaps as a means for attention….? Maybe eventually we will scrub with soap...

Is that it? Is he looking for attention? After we have spent all this time together over the holidays? But how productive was the time? Much of what came from the elves made for such selfish pleasures… perhaps. Perhaps we should just ignore it is being said… stupid word.

I look forward to MLK weekend – a true bonus weekend. A longer winter respite away from almost every want and crafty, consumer-driven, attention-grabbing, endeavor. And in honor of a great man, from who's mouth flowed words that others weren't in agreement as well...

Hopefully stupid will be in the rearview mirror by then.
Suddenly feeling the urge to go bowling.