Captain Underpants

Matthew's current preschool teachers are great. They understand him, they adore him and they believe in his ability. They do value his quirks but they think he will have an easier time in elementary school if he can be a little more like the other kids.  Every now and then they will suggest that we encourage him to get interested in things kids like such as superheroes, Star Wars Legos and playing ball. So far we have only been able to ignite mild tolerance of superheroes, concern that Star Wars is too scary (although Star Wars Legos are pretty good) and absolutely no interest whatever in playing ball of any kind.

And then there were the Captain Underpants books. George and Harold are the natural successors to Mr Mischief. His teachers, bless them, suggested in the nicest possible way that while yes, Captain Underpants is a superhero, George and Harold really aren't the greatest role models. They aren't. But his teachers haven't seen Matthew make a beeline for the Pilkey section of the children's library, ask to be left alone so he can look at his book, copy salient phrases out of the book or laugh so hard he falls off the couch. So for now, we have allowed Professor Poopie Pants, The Turbo Toilet 2000 and the Wicked Wedgie Woman into our home. Since each book is read almost nightly until it is (finally!) returned to the library, I hope not to ever own any of these books.

 I got my first "Mom, you're nuts!" look from Matthew when I gently asked if he did the underpants dance at school.  What stops him is that he doesn't think his teachers would appreciate it much (YES!) because in order to complete the dance you have to be dressed in your underwear and wearing a red cape. (OK, I'll settle for preliminary comprehension of dress code and hope he doesn't figure out he could do the dance even without the outfit.)