BarbieQ's Bits August 31, 2000

Catching Forty Winks

"But I don't want to take a nap!" insisted Batman.  As I listened to his pleading with his mom, I kept as straight a face as possible as he announced, "It's hard being a kid.  It's hard doing everything your parents tell you to do." (fifth birthday)      My grandson has a point.  We know as adults that the children have it really easy, yet we don't tell them at their young ages that it's going to get harder.  They are already coping at their ability level.  Just how difficult do we make it for them?      Clean your room.  Pick up your toys.  Brush your teeth.  Sit down.  Stand up.  Walk.  Don't run.  Find your shoes.  Let the dog in.  Let the cat out.  Shut the door.  Don't shut the door.  Make your bed.  Eat your carrots.  Say your prayers.  Put on your pajamas.  Drink your milk.  Take your bath.  Don't hit your brother.  Tie your shoes.  Comb your hair.  Put your shirt back on.  Empty your shoes outside.  Don't wake Dad.  Go wake Dad.  Put the couch back together.  Don't flush the frog.  Flush the fish.  Empty the trash.  Turn the TV off.  Listen to me.  Sing your ABC song for Grandma.  Put half of those cookies back in the bag.  Say hello to Auntie.  Smile!  Stop whining.  Stop splashing.  Turn your light off.  Jump into the pool.  Don't jump in the pool.  Put the popsicle back.  Wipe your feet.  Take your nap.       We do all these things automatically.  When was the last time you had to follow more than 30 orders in one day, no matter how nicely the words were couched?  And how did you feel about it?  Yes, kids have a pretty hard time following their parents' orders.  I see the wisdom in saying yes every time I possibly can, so that the no's are meaningful when they are needed.  Now I just have to convince my grandson that's what I'm doing.      I wish my parents would tell me to go take a nap, I'd love the excuse these days...

U NO ? blklbtrfly6                                                          Home