What came first? The chicken or the egg?
I have been wondering why my son seems to find Adventure so often and then it hit me. I would never let my 2 year old daughter go into another room without me. Sure, maybe for a minute but not for 10 minutes or so. I hovered over her ALL the time because she was my first and I was a little too interested in every move she made!
My son isn't rebellious. He has a love for life and is very spunky. But so is my daughter and she seems to stay clear of these mishaps. I now realize I give my little man freedoms he isn't ready for and then - WHAMO! He finds something he shouldn't find! So my son is just a normal curious 2 year old. But I have let down my guard and as a result.... he 'appears' to be mischievous.
Several of you asked if I lost it. I actually did not. I was shocked and felt a little deflated but I couldn't be angry at this 2 year old boy peering up at me saying 'I did it'. Of course he was corrected, and told not to touch pens/markers or draw on the walls, but I felt as though I was wrong somehow and not him. I let him down. I let his almost 4 year old sister supervise him so I could get a few things done.
His was a childish act and not foolish. Childish = an innocent mistake that is provoked by their lack of knowledge or understanding. Foolish = choosing to try something while knowing the act is wrong, but doing it anyway. Childishness is a natural progression in life and foolishness is what I want to guard against! How does a 2 year old realize a dry erase board with dry erase markers isn't the same thing as a wall and a sha*rpie? He doesn't if I am out of the room.
So that is my new revelation on markers on the wall! I am not saying my son wasn't wrong or that I am an awful Mom. I am saying, maybe I let us both down - I need to guard him from his childishness more, rather than passing that duty to my 4 year old daughter when I am busy.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Childishness
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7 comments:
It happens, but your still a good mother and your children are....well, creative children. I'll pray next time he does his artwork elsewhere:)
God Bless,
Amber
PS~ If the Mr. Clean doesn't work, try Goo-Gone or Oxicute it with OxiClean.
Mel, don't beat yourself up girlfriend, things like that happen and we all laugh about them later!
I hope no one made you feel guilty or said something mean. He's a child, you're right, it was simply a childish act.
He will do many more as he grows up, in his teenage years...and even as a man, right?! ;-)
I love your sweet, sensitive spirit...you're a great mom!
No Tracey, no one said anything mean or anything. I just began to think about the last few times I shared a story about my son and they were of him getting into a little trouble. :) I am laughing now about this. I just didn't want to give the impression that my little man was a terror since most who read this do not know his sweet little ways! That is all I meant. I had some responsibility in his error and I didn't want to give the impression that he was a little trouble-maker. He is a joy and always keeps me on my toes!! That is what makes him fun. Both of my kids love to live life and keep us running and I wouldn't change a thing! Thanks for your kind words and for defending me. I appreciate it! It is nice to know I have you in my corner!! Thanks again!!
Thank you for sharing this - I needed to hear this - I've been doing the same thing.
"I need to guard him from his childishness more, rather than passing that duty to my 4 year old daughter when I am busy."
I am learning right there with ya!
Good point! It's an interesting balance!
I, too, allowed my five year old to keep her eye on Jen many times as I got things done. Most times this was fine. We still had our moments when it didn't work. I always felt that my oldest carried the guilt for whatever took place as she was "in charge" for a bit (this is when they got older.) It really never mattered who was watching Jen, she just loved to experience life and find out what made the world go round.
We are good moms and we love our kids. I sooooo understand exactly how this all happened. It's like a repeat of my life :)
I am tempted sometimes to leave my 6 year-old in charge of the 20-month old in the house while I'm busy. Then, I snap back to reality, but I'm sure I've been close to a scenario such as this.
What a good lesson about childishness and foolishness.
PS have you tried the Magic Eraser?
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