A short story of a little boy and a flying bird....

This happened to me yesterday. I still chuckle about this, even a day later...

I was taking my two sons to day care, and we were all having a conversation, mostly about regular stuff that we always do - what we are going to do that day, whether my oldest son has computer lab at school, whether my youngest son goes to his preschool that day or not - just general boy/dad talk.

Then the conversation went like this...

"... and this is my special finger, Dad." (this was youngest son of kmla speaking).

I still hadn't quite caught up from the quick turn conversations sometimes take when you are talking to a 4 year old and a 7 year old. "What was that, buddy?". Also, I hadn't looked in the rear view mirror yet either, trying to pay attention to the road, the traffic report, and two young boys all at once.

"This. This is my special finger. It's my favorite." I then looked up to see what he was really talking about.

I looked in the mirror, and was greeted by the reflected image of my youngest son flipping me the bird. The Big Digit.

How do you handle this? Without bursting out laughing?

Internal reaction - Bwahahahahaha!

External reaction - "Ummmm, I don't think you should show your special finger to anyone you don't know, dude. When you do that, it means that you are saying a 'bad' word. A word that only grownups should use. And grownups should try not to use it either. OK, bud?"

"OH. OK, Dad." He smiled and changed the subject...

As a mom of three boys (age 3 and twins who are 18 mos) I can totally appreciate that. My three year old comes out with some stuff that has me cracking up for days. I can't wait until the other two start talking.
Then again, maybe I can.