Random Conversation - Empathy

While trying to egg KY on to get his bum off the chair and out the door (for once! usually its me he will be nagging at) so that we can be at church on time without having to zig zag through traffic and hurtle down the expressway at speeds I will not disclose for fear I will get an online speeding ticket(!)...

M (to KY): So...are you ready to go? Or are you still going to play your stupid games on the computer? (Yes, I am SO encouraging. Much as computer games are my sore point with KY, so is my perpetual rubber timing and nagging an annoyance with him. We have our endearing ways for each other! Haha!)
J (who was entertaining herself pulling her school worksheets out of her file and thus creating more mess for me to put away) : Papa do stupid things!
KY : What??
M (to J) : YA! Papa is playing stupid games on the computer!
KY : ...
J : Mommy is angry!
M (playing along): Yes! Mommy is angry!
J: Mommy is angry with Papa!
M (laughing) : Yes! Mommy is angry with Papa!
J : Janine is angry!
M : Oh! Why is Janine angry?
J : You angry, I angry also!
KY (to M): YOU! What are you teaching my daughter!?!

Ho ho ho!

As simple as that!

Things I have learnt after this exchange:
1. Children ARE listening to what we say. Even when they appear not to!
2. Children are VERY sensitive to the emotional vibes going on around them. I guess they pick it up from the tone/volume of our voices when we talk.
3. Children tend to pick up words that you rather they don't pick up!

I am reminded once again that children are not only mirrors or little sponges, but they are also like loudspeakers, sensitive enough to pick-up and broadcast the nuances characteristic of their family! Not that we use expletives freely at home or berate one another incessantly, but unless I am looking for embarressing moments (not as if I am lacking in this aspect...my dear friends in office may NOT comment further on this thankyouverymuch!!!), its best if we be more mindful of what we are saying to one another!