Trying On New Words

The other day, Riley found a book of Bratz paper dolls that her cousin had given her. She was so excited! She brought them into the kitchen and began to flip through the cardboard pages. I was starting to do the dishes and could hear her turning the pages. After a moment or two she started slamming the pages. She was mad.

I made my way over to the kitchen table and sat down. I looked at her face. Her eyebrows were furrowed and tears were starting to form in her eyes. Her jaw was set and she finally slammed the book closed.

"What's the matter, Riley," I asked.

"There are no goddamned paper dolls in this book!"

"What did you say?" I asked her pointedly.

She slammed her hands over her ears, scrunched down and said quietly, "I said there's no dolls in this book."

"Here," I said, "let me look."

I flipped through each page and indeed there were plenty of outfits but no dolls. "You're right, honey, all the dolls are gone."

"Will you make one for me?" she asked.

"Sure," I said and I did. Even though I really don't like the Bratz dolls (I find them slutty and misproportioned), I know she loves them. I felt bad that her cousin had passed this on to her sans dolls, though I'm sure it wasn't done intentionally. I was a bit shocked to hear her say "goddamned." However, she did use it appropriately, I must say. I use it when I'm mad beyond reason, or if I'm talking to Big Orange on the phone. So, I let it pass without mentioning it. It's been over a week now, and I haven't heard it again.

I'm sure she understands that that word is a "bad" word; my shocked and disapproving reaction probably demonstrated that to her. Let me just pat myself on the back here for a moment, though. I'm hoping that by not overreacting to this, I've removed the taboo of speaking bad words, so now, they are no big deal and she won't be using them to manipulate me. I'll let you know how that goes.