This past school year was momentous for our family, as Ally started Kindergarten and I was left to fend for myself against Ethan (this could explain why at almost 2 years of age, he still is not speaking, but that's another entry). I have learned so much this year as I journey through kindergarten with her.
When school started, Ally's class had a small presentation with Happy Bear, who talked about welcome and unwelcome touches. The powers of the school district felt 5 was the prime age to discuss this issue, and introduce the proper verbage for body parts. You know--penis, vagina, and breasts. I am not debating the timing of this lesson, nor am I arguing the wisdom in presenting this information, but I did get a laugh from one of the kids saying another word for "penis" is "hotdog". This lesson went virtually unnoticed until last week.
Ally spent an afternoon at my sister's house, and all the neighborhood kids were out. This is Suburbia. The kids find one house, congregate, and play until dinnertime, they are called home, or my sister chases them out of her yard and/or home. In short, it's almost an idyllic childhood all of us are inordinately proud to be able to offer the kids. On this particular "halcyon" day, Ally was heard first telling her cousin, Alex, "My bottom is actually a vagina", and then instructing the other children "Don't touch my vagina!" This might sound alarming, but the alarm was more from the kids, probably thinking my kid is a freak show because many of them did not get that lovely presentation from Happy Bear.
While my sister and her husband were horrified with Ally's sudden desire to give a lesson in anatomy, they rightfully did not react. But they also did not address the issue, as far as I know. A few days later, during a bath between Alex and his younger sister, Maddie asked "Mommy, what's a vagina?" Stunned, she quickly replied "Uh, it's a sour pickle." Alex perked up, shifted his eyebrows and asked "Wait, so you're telling me if I order a sandwich, I can have a vagina on it?!"
You know, honesty really is the best policy. I wish her luck as the next time they go to Subway, and Alex asks the man at the counter if the vaginas are found in the meats, cheeses or veggies?
