We had a very difficult morning. A simple request for my 7 year old daugher to take a shower led to a battle of wills and words. As I walked her to the bus stop, my heart was heavy. I wondered what I was doing or not doing to cause such behaviors. I asked beyond myself for an answer as I walked home from kissing her goodbye.
Later in the afternoon, I asked her if she was feeling better. She looked at me slightly uncertain at first and then said, “If you are referring to my anger this morning, I washed it all down the drain during my shower.” Later, as we sat around the dinner table she asked, “Can I read what I wrote at school today?” She began, “My friendship rules:
- Never tell secrets
- Never lie
- Always be nice
- Always let people play
- Be caring
- Be fair
- Have citizenship
- Use kind words
- Don’t disqualify anybody
- Be respectful
- If you say you’re going to do something, do it
- Be honest
- If someone gets hurt, help them
- Have manners
- Keep your promises
- Don’t blame
- Don’t bully”
I lowered my head in gratitude for the answer that was provided to me. Parenthood is just as much of a journey as is childhood. My daughter and I will continue to take one day at a time.
Content by Grace Regnier (age 7 1/2 years)