Ssshhh

I can't remember what we were talking about, but a couple of weeks ago Jack said to me, "I know what the S word is."

"You do, do you?" I wondered if it was going to be "stupid" or something worse.

"Yes," he said.  "It's a bad word."

"It is?"

"Yes," he said, "and I know how to spell it.  It starts with S-H."

Uh-oh.

"And do you know, Mommy?" he said earnestly. "I've heard you say it."

Oops.

"Do you want me to tell you what it is?"

I don't know that I do, if I'm being honest.

"Well, Jack, I don't really need you to say a bad word..." I began.

"I'll just spell it for you, ok?"

"Uh, ok, I guess."

"It's spelled S-H-U-T-U-P," he said.

Ohhh.

"You're right, Jack," I told him solemnly, even though I was secretly trying not to giggle, "that is a bad word.  You should never say it.  Mommy shouldn't say it either, but you definitely shouldn't."

"I know, Mommy.  I won't ever say it.  I promise."

Well, good.  I'm glad he knows to do what I say but not say what I say.