Last night at dinner, Jewel said, "So, this boy in my class told me about a bad word. He heard it from the bus driver. I'd never heard this bad word before."

"What was it?" The Mateo asked.

Pronouncing it like socked, Jewel said, "F----ed."

We didn't see the need to correct her pronounciation. It was clear enough.

"What does that mean?" James wanted to know immediately.

"It's a very dirty word and no-one in this house is to ever use it," The Mateo said.

"But what does it mean?" James asked again.

"It means bad things," The Mateo said.

"I didn't know it was a bad word," Jewel repeated. "I'd never heard it before. I don't even know what it means."

"It's OK, Jewel," I assured her. "You didn't do anything wrong. Next time someone wants to tell you a dirty word just say 'I don't talk about those things.'"

We went back to eating. A moment later The Mateo caught my eye,

"How's homeschooling lookin' to ya now?" he said.

To be honest, I don't need any more reasons to homeschool. I already believe in it. I just need courage. Anyone know of a wizard who can give this cowardly lion some c-c-c-courage?