One of the simple joys of homeschooling is that my family spends a lot (and I mean a lot) of time together. This constant togetherness provides numerous opportunities for impromptu lessons.  I remember one such lesson in particular, a study in vocabulary.

While driving home from an appointment, my then six-year-old Elisabeth asked for the specific definition of the word “deflating.”  (She likes to confirm the definitions of words she is already using.  Better late than never.) I explained that deflating is when a person’s joy or energy seems to be leaking out or when the air comes out of something.

Pleased with myself for presenting such a simple, yet all-encompassing explanation, I was even more delighted with Elisabeth for her mature intelligence.  A quick glance in the rearview mirror assured me that, indeed, her “gears” were turning.

Confirming in her matter-of-fact way that the definition had, in a sense, sunk in, she said, “Oh, like pooting. You’d better open the window, ‘cuz I’m deflating.”