DISQUS

RayJ · 11 months ago

oh jesus, halleluia

Susan · 11 months ago

This reminds me of a friend of my son's who was completely dependent on his "blankie" – so much so that once he forgot it when he was spending the night with us. He couldn’t get to sleep without it. He cried and cried until his father sheepishly delivered it from four towns away. Not long after, the little guy up and announced to his parents that when he turned six, he’d give up his blankie. The notion came from him – it wasn’t a reaction to nagging, coercion or bribery. Without trauma, histrionics or looking back, he turned in his blankie first thing on the morning of his sixth birthday.

Your daughter heard your proposal and took time to think it through and make up her mind. She’s showing quite a bit of character and self-knowledge for such a little one. She assessed the situation, found that she’d be better off without her binkie and made a decision that she carried through. It took self-examination, self-belief and self-reliance. She was able to identify that a chapter in her life was over, and she was willing and able to move forward.

How very cool that you didn’t leave it in the hands of a “binkie fairy”, manipulate her or guilt her. Instead, calmly and reasonably and without judging her, you posed an option to her in such a way that she could take responsibility for whatever decision she chose to make. When she resolved to put the binkie behind her, you honored her decision and showed your support with the silver tray and the note. You marked this passage, this milestone in her life, with solemnity and importance.

It’s no accident that she’s respectful, disciplined and content. She’s treated with respect and given structure and love. That’s why she’s content. Good job, Mom! Good job, too, to all the people who actively love her and participate in her life. All children should be so blessed.

Kathleen · 11 months ago

*blush* gosh! thank you so much! :D

Jules · 11 months ago

Wow, that is a really fantastic idea! Good job, I'll pass it along to all of my damn pregnant friends.

Kathleen · 11 months ago

LOL! jules, you can only say "damn pregnant" if you're referring to yourself! ha!

Diane Petz · 11 months ago

HI Kath!
Congratulations on thinking of that brilliant idea and I am so happy that it worked! I found out when my kids were small that when they make up their minds to be ready for something new, they do it completely well and accept it without looking back. It is truly amazing really!
Your daughter is not only a cutie but she is one smart little girl and yes, she does take after her Mom!
Thanks for sharing and here's to the next few years until the purple hair happens! You will get through that as well!
Happy New Year my friend!