Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Watch "Charlie Bit Me"

Ms. X did not sound pleased.

“Sophie had a really bad day today,” she said. We were on the phone, but I could see her shaking her head. Sophie was out of sorts all day, in ball buster mode, totally stubborn. Refused to come in from the playground, wouldn’t listen to directions.

“Oh, and she bit someone,” Ms. X said in a rush, like it was an afterthought. I know she knew I’d freak.

“SHE WHAT?!”

“She bit someone. But, but — it wasn’t bad. She just took a kid’s fingertip in her mouth. I don’t think she meant to really bite. It didn’t break the skin.”

Apparently another kid actually left a bruise on a classmate last month, so this really wasn’t much by comparison. Still, Ms. X and I both know it’s got to be nipped in the bud. (So to speak.) Sophie was sent to another classroom for 15 minutes, and it was during Reading Buddies, when Annabelle’s class was there to read with the kindergarteners. Big punishment.

As always, I could tell Ms. X felt badly about being stern with Sophie. And she was quick to tell me that the last 20 minutes of school, Sophie was absolutely perfect.

Super.

“And as she was leaving, she gave me a hug and said, ‘You come my house Thanksgiving!’” Ms. X reported happily.

I was not happy. I called Ray to report on the day’s events and warn that he not mention the bite. We don’t want to make a big deal, I cautioned.

“OK, no problem,” he replied, not seeming concerned. “I know where she got it.”

“Where?!”

“From watching `Charlie Bit Me.’”

Grr. Not on my watch. I’m the queen of inappropriate, but even I have my limits.

Am I the only one who doesn’t find that You Tube video funny? Check it out for yourself if you’re among the handful of Americans who hasn’t seen it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE4FJL2IDEs