June has been really into boogers lately. I guess it’s kind of normal, right? Kids discovering the joys of mucous? She’s a pro at asking for a tissue, but she’s also keen on the back of her hand (yep, she’s a country kid!) which results in a nice smear on the side of her face. She has a lucrative career in the glazing industry ahead of her.
The flagrant smear method became such an issue at preschool that June’s amazing teacher gave the toddlers a clinic in the more refined “pinch and wipe” technique wherein the tissue is first pinched to the nose THEN swiped. Here, June practices on a doll…
Unfortunately, “pinch and wipe” hasn’t made big inroads yet at home.
This morning, as I helped June dress for preschool, said said, “Look, Mommy! Look at my booger!” and held up a finger so I could admire her freshly mined mucous.
“Wow, that is so cool,” I said. “Would you like a tissue?”
“No thank you,” she said, reaching her finger up and casually wiping her booger in my hair.
“Did you just wipe a booger in my hair?”
“Yes,” she giggled.
This is one of those great teaching moments where a parent can talk to a child about manners, etiquette and personal hygiene. Not me! I forgot all about that stuff. I forgot to get her a tissue, forgot to mention anything about manners and hygiene, and worst of all, forgot about the booger in my hair. I don’t know what’s worse….that June wiped snot in my hair or that my reaction suggested I really didn’t mind it that much. It wasn’t until I got to my office this morning and went to the ladies room that I was reminded of the hefty ear wax-like nugget crowning my hair line.
It is one of those moments when one realizes how far from glamour one truly is.
(And, yes, I did remove the booger, in case you’re wondering.)
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
June is so cute with her double pony tails and BANGS. Did you chicken out and give the bangs to June? I often think a mother should just walk around with a sign that says “I’m a mother”. If the kid is not present with you, people think you’re a slob. If they knew you were a mother almost all would understand how you came by the hair boogers, smears of food, tired eyes, etc.
Yes, I need that sign! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve brought the kids shopping with me, instead of leaving them home with their daddy, just so I don’t have to change out of my yoga pants or fix my hair!
I’m still planning on getting bangs but I have to wait until my next trip to Baltimore to do it (my stylist is up there). I am in desperate need of a haircut!
Hey, Nice blog! Your post about boogers came up in my google alert, so I thought I would share. We play real rock for kids and their families. http://Www.meet-the-boogers.com. Rock on! CB
At least one person appreciates the booger post!
A nice chuckle out of this one.
But glamour? Never with toddlers.