Who Knew That the Pledge of Allegiance Would Turn into a Deep Discussion?

I am amazed by how kids think.  They are so literal and “in the moment” even with the Pledge of Allegiance, something I actually very much admire!

A bit of background to this story and I promise this will all make sense in a bit.  I reprimand the boys when they say the phrase, “Oh My God”, requesting that they replace trying to replace “God” with “Goodness” or “Gosh”.

Kids Say the Darnedest Things

The other night while we were sitting at dinner, N recited the Pledge of Allegiance all by himself! We were so proud of him – it was a big accomplishment and brought me to tears thinking about how he didn’t even make a sound until he was almost 2 and a half years old.  

The following morning on the way to school, one of the boys said, “Oh My God” again so I corrected him. 

The Proper Way to Say the Pledge of Allegiance

N then says, “But Mom, the word “God” is in the Pledge of Allegiance”, and then proceeds to reiterate that portion of the pledge. 

Of course, I tell him that it is OK to say “God” in that instance, as opposed to using it in vane and inappropriately. 

So then N follows up with: “So then what is ‘God’?”  OK…a bit heavy for 7:45 in the morning!

My first response: “Why don’t you ask your teacher when you get to class?” 

N: “But Mom, you know everything!”  

How sweet…right???  I have my work cut out for me now.

Update

Many years later – N is the same, super sweet boy as he was back when we had this conversation.

He’s grown into a caring, “old soul” of a teenager.  He does roll his eyes at me when I correct his English, but I just take the eye roll as a teen’s rite of passage.