Trying to figure this “parenting thing” out

After jumping into parenting with an active 3-year-old, we find ourselves faced with new challenges on a daily basis. Sometimes it's hard to figure out the best response on the spur of the moment.

Example: Cosi really wanted to try some of my hot tea. (Her favorite drinks are always found in other people's cups.) I told her “no, it's hot,” though it was closer to warm. Then, I realized she doesn't know what hot is. So, I let her touch the outside of my cup to feel the warmth. She loved touching it and now she wants to touch my hot tea every morning. Of course, I've inadvertently taught her that “hot” means “warm and fun to touch.” Way to go me.

What should I do? I'm trying to use the words “too hot” for when my tea is first made. I make her wait and then tell her when it's okay, but I'm pretty sure my meaning isn't really conveyed. Then, there are other “hot” situations, like when I'm getting something out of the oven. I'm trying to say “danger” instead of “hot,” but the only meaning that seems to be conveyed is “my mom is yelling” or “mom really doesn't want me to touch this, I'll have to move faster to get it next time.”

Other current topics in our home:

-spitting is okay after brushing your teeth, but not all over the apartment

-we encourage creativity, but stop breaking all of your toys

-it may seem like fun to pee on the floor, but your parents don't enjoy cleaning it up

-kissing someone immediately after hitting them doesn't make it okay to hit

-no throwing things! except you should throw this frisbee (or ball) to that kid and he's going to throw it back at you, and that's okay...

-when Daddy said “crap,” it's probably good that you thought he said “crab” and then made pinching motions with your fingers

-speaking of pinching, yes, we're happy that you know what “cheek” means, but less is more when pinching them

-at present, all animals are dogs, except tigers and owls (which are cats), and lions (which are lions) and dogs which are either lions or dogs

-flashing your belly is not a socially acceptable greeting in this culture (or any culture that we're aware of), despite the fact that it makes everybody smile

So as you can see, we have a ways to go, and the learning curve is steep, but we're pretty sure we'll get it all figured out soon...maybe even before baby #2 shows up!

Plan B- keep winging it and hope no one catches on...