The First Bad Word

Today's park visit was interesting in a not so good way..

It was a beautiful spring afternoon which pretty much mandated a park visit. I had other agendas too but they were quickly brushed aside in favor of Vitamin D building, sunshine dancing park visit.

We went to a park we don't go during weekdays. When we reached there, the kids' play area was crowded with big kids taking pictures of themselves and their friends on the slides. Thinking it's too crowded here, little girl and I walked over to the nearby play area which seemed empty. 

When we got there, there was a group of 7-8 boys (probably teenagers and 6 feet tall each) hanging out at the slides. The little girl and I approached the slides. But she sort of froze at the stairs and kept watching the big boys. All the boys hung out talking at the play area above the stairs. I goaded her to move on and climb up so we can get to the slides. But she hesitated and later decided she just wanted to be at the stairs and not go up afterall. 

I wanted my little girl to not be intimidated by the boys and instead play on the slides like she intended to initially. But I also realized that she can't do it unless I do it first. I went and talked to the boys and asked if they can hang out elsewhere. No surprise they reminded me they can very well hang out wherever they please. I pressed on.. I said I understand that, but their presence is intimidating the little girl. They said they couldn't possibly decline me when I'm asking so nicely. They hung out in one corner of the play area and Gugu and I played at the slides for a bit. 

Soon, we drifted to the volleyball court. I told the boys thanks and we're out of there. There at the volleyball sand court Gugu and I made sand castles. A few other older kids were practicing baseball throws nearby. 

Unfortunately all these big kids (middle or high school) used quite a profane language. The little girl is always very interested in other older kids. She observes very keenly. She listens and remembers. I was reminded of these traits of hers when we came home and I was getting her out of the car seat and she said "damnit-gth". It's the first time I've heard her use that word. 

We had a talk after that, and I tried to explain to her sometimes people are not always saying or doing the right things. Sometimes people use bad words or do bad things (the big kids on the slides were using f words!! :( ) But she is not to use these bad words- it is not right. 

We patched up like we always do. With a hugs and kisses and lot of unrelated talk soon after. And inside I was hoping she wasn't listening in on the other bad words!

:S