The Middle Finger and My Six Year Old

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   ChristinaScibonaposted 14 years ago

   My six year old son told me today that he was in trouble at school for showing another child the middle finger.  The middle finger is not something that he has ever seen used so he did not know that it meant something bad.  He is six years old and the thought of talking to him about it never even crossed my mind. I have actually been more worried about talking about where babies come from since he has asked that question.  I don't think that he should have gotten in trouble as I am sure it was an innocent mistake on his part.  We talked to him about it after he told us what happened.  He now knows that it is bad and that he can't do that.  What do you think?

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      Diane Insideposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Oh he saw it from somebody, maybe not from you or your family, but he saw it from somebody.  Kids see everything. lol  If you talked to him about it, he will probably be okay. 
      
      Since he did get into trouble over it, at least it is out of the way and he most likely will never do it again.  Cause it is likely to happen at some point.
      
      I remember when I was a kid I kept saying the b**ch word alot till I got into trouble for it. I didn't know what it meant I just heard it somewhere and thought it was funny.
      
      I learnded never to say it again, however they didn't have to go far to find the culprit. Since my grandfather, cussed like a sailor. lol

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2. 77

   Polly Cposted 14 years ago

   One thing I have learned as a parent - kids learn everything from the school playground no matter what you tell them!
   
   I don't think you should lose sleep over it. When my now ten year old was about six he learned some rather colourful language from a boy at school, and kept shouting it out as if it was the best thing ever. Of course, he had no idea what it meant, but found it hilarious anywhay.  It only takes one child, before the whole class knows the score. Of course, I had to talk to my son about something that I never had before, and still he tested it out a few more times, to see my reaction, no doubt. Sometimes if you focus on something too much it becomes even more alluring.
   
   I would guess that someone taught the middle finger thing to your son, but that he couldn't really comprehend what was wrong with it. You have explained to him, so I would just let it pass.

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3. 74

   ChristinaScibonaposted 14 years ago

   Thanks for the input.  I guess you are both right.  I talked to him about it and that is the best that I can do.  I haven't brought it up to him again and he said he understood.  Thanks again.

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