The last time Dominic was written up on a disciplinary slip in elementary school-
*sigh*
Picture this: three adolescent boys walking together.
Boy on right: "Right ball".
Boy on left: "Left ball".
Boy on right: "There's a penis between us".
All three boys laugh.
I remember in third grade, all the boys ever did on recess was try to knee or punch each other in the balls. I was barely amused, because I didn't really understand it. Now I have a son, and I get it. It's a right of passage. It's part of growing up. A necessary part of growing up.
I remember when recess was linked to words like shenanigans, tomfoolery, and immaturity.
I've said it before... my best memories from childhood happened when I was doing something I probably wasn't supposed to. All children do this. This is autonomy, children finding their way in the world without their parents. Children trying out mature language and ideals. Children getting an inappropriate education about intimate subjects from their stupid friends. Shock and awe being silly and funny, making these scary subjects easier to handle.
On the playground in sixth grade, my girls and I talked about love, sex, and our periods. (Not that any of experienced any of these-- but we had all types of discussions preparing us for them). When I think back to these conversations, they were laughable. But...they prepared me for the grown up world. They prepared me for the intimate relationships I would have during puberty with other girls, becoming women. They gave me a chance to speak frankly without the audience of parents, health books, and human growth and development films.
Granted... my son was stupid enough to take the role of "right ball" within earshot of a recess duty. (They call the recess staff recess duties. Duty. Heehee. Gets me every time).
So to Dominic and all the other gross, stupid boys out there- have fun. Be disgusting. We expect it of you. Just look over your shoulder and check your audience now and then, ya jack wagons!
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