A very important word

As we were getting dressed for school this morning, Luke announced, "Mom, thank you is a very important word."

Me, "Yes it is."

Luke, "And 'you're welcome' is a very important word too."

Me, "Yes it is. It is very polite to use those words. There is another important word too. Do you know what it is?"

Luke gave me a blank stare then screwed up his lips like he was thinking and announced, "No."

Me, "Well, it starts with a 'P'." Still a blank stare. I started to sound it out, "Puh, puh, puh."

I lean forward waiting for him to finish the word 'please', but instead he said with a look of excitement and dawning realization, "Polonium?!"

I chuckled, "Um, well, that is an interesting word too, but that isn't the word I was thinking of." Still a blank look so I said, "I was thinking of the word 'please.'"

Luke, "Oh, yeah."

Me, "Oh my. *sigh* Polonium, huh?"

No answer -- he had moved on to something else.

In case you are like me and don't know what that is, polonium is an element and is used in some devices to eliminate static electricity in processes such as rolling paper, manufacturing sheet plastics, and spinning synthetic fibers. I had to look it up. I also saw some mention of using it as a source of heat in spacecraft and satellites. I'm guessing that is how Luke heard about it since he wants to be an astronaut.