Misunderstood, Again

We had just picked up my (7 year-old) son’s friend and were on our way to day camp when, from the back row of the minivan, I heard this from said friend: “In middle school, we get to do sex things.”

My heart skipped a beat as I tried to process what I had just heard and form an appropriate response. “No, STOP TALKING!” was all that came to mind – I had three other pairs of young ears to protect! Thankfully, before I had a chance to blurt out these words, the friend continued:

“Yeah, my cousin told me that in middle school we get to do sex things. Frogs, insects, sometimes even small mice. Doesn’t that sound cool?!”

And then it clicked – the boy wasn’t saying “do sex things,” he was saying “dissect things”. Thank you, God!

A good reminder that before jumping on my kids for something that they have said, I should take a step back and make sure that I really understand what they are saying or asking before proceeding with a response or explanation!