The P Word

It holds irresistible power for my three boys. The mere mention of it dissolves each of them into fits of giggles, followed by attempts to outdo each other in linguistic feats of grossness. I can’t fathom why they enjoy saying it so much, but they do.

I’m sure part of it stems from their observations of my disapproval each time I hear it. It’s not a bad word, but I’m trying to teach them that certain phrases aren’t really appropriate for them to use, particularly at the dinner table.

Still, the urge overwhelms them and then once the p-train has revved up, it is difficult to stop. They give each other props for creativity too. Take, for example, this exchange:

“Poppity Poop!”
“Poop trees blowing in the wind!”
“Baby diaper poop!”
“Poopy butts!”
“Lollipop poop!”
“Eww. Hahahaha poop!”

It is nonsensical. It is a little disgusting. Still, it is undeniably entertaining to them and though I can temporarily squash it, I can’t keep it down. We bought a new car a few weeks ago and the previous owner loaded the mp3 player with Chuck Berry songs. The boys enjoy them all but their new favorite tune is “Too Pooped to Pop.”

It was inevitable.  I’ve come to appreciate the power of less palatable words from time to time. After all, whenever I am stuck in the car with three bickering boys, all I have to do is put on a certain Chuck Berry tune and the whining gives way to snorts of laughter. Maybe the P Word isn’t so bad after all.