It's not all sunshine and butterflies. Today, Claire uttered the three little words that no parent wants to hear: I hate you. To me. Her mother!
What offense brought out this vitriol in such a sweet-natured child, you ask? Prepare yourself.
I didn't do her potato right.
First I cut it squares but she wanted it "big like yours". Then she wanted it "spread out" and "flatter". I cut the other piece of potato, spread it out and flattened it as directed, under her watchful eye, but I just couldn't get it right. As punishment, out came those three short words.
And with that, just like the potato, my heart was cut, spread out and flattened.
I asked her what she just said. (Why I wanted her to repeat it, I don't know anymore...disbelief?) She told me she was feeling very frustrated. OK, and what did you just say? Mama...I hate. (Note the absence of the third word...) What did you say? Mama, I hate. Mama I have to go potty. (Crying all the way.) Me having internal discussion about what to do next and trying to remember what the hell "Supernanny" would do at a time like this. Sniffles from the loo...no reminder needed to flush and wash hands...Sniffles.
"Mama! I am sorry!"
No request for apologies required, she offered it up on her own. Small mercies! We hugged and I told her that what she said made me very sad, and not to say it again. I think I handled it well. She knew I was upset, but I didn't blow my top or cry or anything. I think she got it from stupid (another word I ask her not to say...leading by example here...) Finding Nemo. Damn you, Disney.
I probably use the word hate 20 times a day for mild irritations like "I hate traffic", "Ooh! I hate it when that happens", " I hate this 100 degree weather in June" etc, etc. Somehow coming from her it sounded so awful. OK, I'll say it: I hated hearing it. I wonder how I will feel when a real 4-letter word spills out of her mouth!
As consolation, I will try to keep in my mind what she said, just minutes prior to the H-word:
"Mama...I love you as much as a dinosaurs neck!"
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Posts
2 comments:
Ugh! That made me cry. And it sounds like you did a fantastic job of handling it. Good job, mom!
I think you handled it extremely well too. She is a sweet little girl otherwise SHE would not have been so upset. She loves you, don't ever doubt that. That is the most important thing to keep in mind no matter what happens!! At least that is the thought you hold on to through thick and thin because she knows you will love her no matter what she might do or say.
Post a Comment