If you've been around Word Wanderings very long, you know I've got two kids. My first, my daughter, just turned three. And in the last month or so, I've seen her grow up a lot. It's a little sad on one hand, but interesting to watch, too.
Being a typical three-year-old, my daughter is getting a bossy streak. She tries to boss TMOTH, me, the dog, and her little brother. She even tries to tell you where to go when driving. Talk about a backseat driver! There's nothing quite like a little girl going, "No, Mommy, that way! THAT WAY!" when you're out running errands. Usually, she just doesn't want to go home, or thinks we need to go somewhere else. Sonic is her favorite stop--and she knows where most of them in our normal areas of travel. (Of course, we just moved, so those normal areas are shifting.)
Having an independent streak can be dangerous. I've had to really work at stamping down on her independence lately. Not that I don't want her to be an independent woman one day, just not at the age of three! Running through Target or the grocery store is irresponsible and discourteous, and leaving the backyard--taking the dog with you--can lead to one or both getting hit by a car.
It makes me think about how God parents us. We make mistakes, He allows for punishment. It's kind of strange to think of a twenty-nine-year-old being parented (shouldn't I know what's going on by now?) but I've seen it happen. And, while I'm not necessarily sure every time what I'm supposed to learn, I can only hope I learn the lesson--as my daughter learns she can't run through Target or have that mini-Barbie that's in the checkout line.
Next week is my post for the ChristianWriters.com blog chain. The topic is "Harvest". I've been a little negligent about posting reminders about the blog chain, and I've since moved the list from my sidebar to a separate page. If you go here, you'll find the links for every post. We almost have a full month, and this next week is full! I hope you'll check out the posts.
Until next time,
Posts
4 comments:
"Running through Target or the grocery store is irresponsible and discourteous..." Thank you :) When I worked in retail, I dreaded dealing with unruly children. I wasn't there to babysit, after all :).
I imagine raising a child is difficult. I look forward to being a dad some day. But I DREAD the day that child decides to go out on their own. In the middle of the street.
i've got a 3 1/2 year old, and i'm definitely seeing that independent streak now. it wasn't so bad at first, but she's also learning by example from some of the kids in her daycare! but she responds well to me talking to her about it. parenting is hard stuff...and she's my only one!
jeannie
the character therapist
@Giles, I've had to have an employee assist me sometimes when my hands are full with my 15 month old. Usually, they're pretty good.
@Jeannie, my daughter sometimes gets it when I talk to her about it, but not always--and not for very long! Sometimes, the reward system works--if you're good in Target (and I spell out what that means), we'll go get a Cherry Sprite (her favorite drink) at Sonic.
I recall TMOTH with his younger brother of almost 13 months. Sure they had their independent streaks. "Let's Go This Way In The Double Stroller mommy" or "can we go to the park again?" We did lots and lots of walking in our small town. Walking the kids was great!
I wouldn't have wanted my life and my little men to be in any other place in that time of our lives. They are who they are today because of their yesterdays.
God has truly blessed me with my sons. I spent alot of one on one time with them. Very few times did they "act out" in stores as your sweet daughter I know doesn't. Keep thinking creatively. Spend time. Time is of the essence. She has responsibilities of helping the household. Good. Push the cart into the store and/or holding your hand; walk and talk about the expected behavior. My mother had a good idea. She taught the littlest boy with curious or inquisitive fingers to hold his hands behind his back when he walked into the store; and this helped. Simply enjoy each moment...
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