OY! Phonics.....

One of the biggest milestones for any parent is when your child begins to read. This is especially true for a homeschooling parent because the investment is so much greater. Thomas just graduated kindergarten with a great desire to read. Anything. Unfortunately this adventuresome boy wants to read billboards, business signs, bumper stickers, etc.

This is where the "OY!" comes in. Living in large city offers countless signs to read. So we're driving down the road one day and my little phonics boy starts sounding out the one sign I wish he wouldn't. Its on our way home (and to virtually anywhere else we go) so I knew it would happen some day. I was just hoping he wouldn't notice that one until he was 25.

So he's in the back seat sounding things out, "e-x-x-o-n, EXXON! I got that one, momma! B-B-Bur-ger-k-ing! I'm a great reader, momma!"

"Yes, you are, my boy!"

"J-j-jen-na-s, Jenna's, t-o-y, toy, box. Momma, can we go to Jenna's Toy Box someday?"

Thankfully, I didn't wreck the truck but my recovery was less than graceful. "Nope, we can't ever go there."

"Why? They have toys there. I need more toys."

Quick! Think! "No, you have plenty of toys. You don't need anymore."

"But I don't have any from there. We could just go look. We don't have to buy anything. Please, momma!"

Ok, time to bite the bullet. "Sweet boy, that's not really a toy store."

"Then why did they name it that?"

"Because they are trying to trick people. They sell very inappropriate things there. Its not a store for children. Its not a store for nice adults either."

Fortunately, that was the end of that. UNfortunately, the next sign he asked me about was a Hooter's Billboard! Its sad that we can't drive down the road without having to explain how much inappropriate and shameful activity there is in the world. I can't imagine anything worse than those two signs but I'm sure he'll find them someday.