This morning, Jia and I were finishing up the tree decorations, having a sweet time together. In her most precious little voice, she said (out of the blue), “Mommy, there are some words that four year-olds can’t say, right?”

“Right, Jia.”

“Like dammit and crap, right, Mom?”

“Yes, Jia, be sure not to say those words.”

“If you’re an adult, can you say dammit and crap?”

“Yes, Jia, but they still aren’t nice words.”

“Little kids shouldn’t say dammit and crap, Mom-mom.”

“Right, Jia. Please don’t tell your teacher that, though, or really anyone else either.” (Fear in my voice…..)

“Okay, Mom-mom, I won’t tell anyone that dammit and crap are adult words.”

“Thanks, Jia.”