Considering I think farts are the funniest things in the world, and would be happy to share my own bowel history and issues with anyone willing to listen, I suppose it should come as no surprise that my son may have a genetic predisposition to an excitement and interest in “potty talk.”

Pretty much every other word these days is “Poop.” I’m not kidding you, he weaves it into every story, every thought, every answer, and every scenario.

Me: “Jonah, would you like eggs or oatmeal for breakfast?”

J: “Um, I would like… Eggies…. aaaaaaand poop!”

Me: (Lights out. Story time). “Would you like to hear the story about William climbing the tree or William going to the moon?”

J: “Um, I would like to heaaaaaar…. The story about William, taking a big, big poop.”

Me: (At park). “Let’s put more sand on the castle.”

J: “No, let’s take a poop on it.”

Me: “Jonah, please pick up your lunch box. It’s time to leave.”

J: “Okay! I’m ready to poop!”

Me: “Please do not bang the broom against cabinet.”

J: “Oh, ok. Poop.”

Here’s the thing though, this might entirely be my fault. Frankly there are times, my brain is so fried, and he asks me a question or demands something, and the only thing that comes to mind is one word: POOP!

J: “Mommy, why do snakes shed their skin?”

Me: “Um, um, because they need to get rid of skin in order to….. (pause. I got nothin‘.) um, um… Poop.” (WHAT?!)

J: “Mommy, I NEED that toy!!!”

Me: “I need that poop.” (REALLY?!)

And it probably didn’t help that a few weeks ago, he put on his superhero cape that Mimi made him and said, “Look Mommy, I’m a Super Hero!” and I said, “You’re my Pooper Hero!” to which he fell on the floor laughing and asked me to say it fourteen times in a row. (Doesn’t being the funniest mom count for something?)

Certainly the time Auntie Alli made up the “get the poop out song” during a week long stand off with constipation (his, not mine) didn’t make matters better either. To this day, we sometimes sing that song for no good reason. It really is quite catchy.

But I promise– I’ve tried to curb the poop talk and make it clear that “this is not appropriate conversation for the dinner table/ library/ playdate/ Yom Kippur, etc.” Please. You know what Jonah’s response was today on a play date, as he was shouting “poop” like like had Touret’s???

Me: “Jonah, enough of the poop talk. Please choose other words.”

J: “Okay. (beat) PEE!!!”

Great.

SO, tell me, Is this normal? How do I stop the madness? Do I ignore? Do I punish? I need help!

Yours truly,

Jonah’s mom aka sh*t for brains.

FILED UNDER: A Little Life
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Comments

  1. Tuesday, January 18th, 2011
    When it comes to poop talk, I have the maturity of a 13-year-old boy. However, I *try* to curb it in front of the gaggle. Guess what? My 5-year-old son is OBSESSED, like yours, with all things bathroom related. My advice? Embrace it, feel lucky you have something in common with the boy, and continue to be the world's most hilarious mom :-)

    P.S., I recently wrote a post on the joys of boys - this topic was listed ;)
  2. Tuesday, January 18th, 2011
    This post was great...FOR ME TO POOP ON!

    Heh.

    But really, I have no words of advice since our 2-year-old hasn't hit that phase yet. Good luck!
  3. Tuesday, January 18th, 2011
    My 3 year old daughter, loves to announce to the world.."Me..FAAAHTTTTED!" even when she doesn't. I don't know how to tell you to stop it other than to try and ignore it. I tried the whole "Gabs,everybody doesn't need to know. Just say excuse me."TO which you giggled and screamed even louder "But ME FAAAAHHHTED!" What I would recommend is recording it, either on video or , as I do quite frequently, on my voice memo on my phone. They will only say these things for a short while and then they will be 5 and wont.Oh yeah, and try not to laugh at it ( like I do most times) because that really isn't consistent with your words:)Happy pooping Tuesday!
  4. Anonymous
    Tuesday, January 18th, 2011
    Our 2 year old daughter has just started with the "poop" talk too. Sometimes, she adds it so cleverly to conversation that it's hard not to laugh and think she is pretty hysterical. I know that other parents may not see it as amusing, especially in public, and we don't encourage her to say poop all the time. But once in a while, I think it's ok (at home) just to laugh...everybody poops and sometimes it can be a topic that really induces some belly laughs!
  5. Tuesday, January 18th, 2011
    It's a phase. He'll get over it - trust me. Unfortunately, probably not before he totally embarrasses you several dozen times. :)
  6. Wednesday, January 19th, 2011
    BWAHAHAHA!!! know what this reminded me of??? remember when people used to respond to questions always saying, "MY BUTT!"

    "did you have fun at school today?"

    "MY BUTT did."

    "do you want a snack when we get home?"

    "MY BUTT sure does."

    "who is picking you up from practice tomorrow?"

    "MY BUTT!!!"
  7. Alli B-C
    Wednesday, January 19th, 2011
    hahahah! hilarious! Just let him "Get the poop out!!" ...As Gandma Lynn loves to say: "this too shall' pass" :) (hopefully.. :) loveeee
  8. Anonymous
    Thursday, January 20th, 2011
    wish I could offer you hope- but I can't- my 10 yr old boy still loves all things butt: farts, poop, etc. Sorry.
  9. Monday, January 24th, 2011
    Lol!! My teen son is still a giggle butt when it comes to farting honesty always has been the best way for us to talk and laugh with our kids...Love that I'm not alone in being a crazy fun mom!! Found you on Mom Monday~Shari

    http://www.1grown2togo.blogspot.com