Every time I make a move in the kitchen my girls are right behind me grabbing things off counters, attempting to help themselves to things in the cupboards. It drives me nuts. If you don’t have a child like this, try not to get smug on me. My friend’s first daughter was not such a child, but her second is, and now she understands. We do have the dangerous cupboards child-proofed, but not the rest of them. I suppose we should, but I hate those latches.
Today when I was trying to prepare a meal and Hannah was attempting to help herself to the dried blueberries in the cupboards, I kneeled down to Hannah and told her that she couldn’t forage for herself, but would have to wait until we sat down to eat. Apparently this broke her heart. Within thirty seconds, Hannah was in Rachel’s arms sobbing her heart out. I walked over patted Hannah’s back.
Rachel said in a very matronly voice, “Say sorry to the little girl. You hurt her feelings.”
I started to protest, but was too stunned to put up a good fight. Meekly, I apologized.
In my defense, no one had dried bluberries today.
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We went to a picnic mid-day and Hannah was filthy by the time we got back. I made her get in the bath and washed her hair. She was crying the whole time and screaming for the towel and diaper because of her concern about the “poo-poo” coming.
As I was drying her, we had a very long conversation. It was time to explain how poop works in this household. I told her what her private parts were called. We went through a list of who needed diapers in the family and who didn’t and where everyone put their poop. We talked about what Charlie’s (our Female dog) private parts are called and where she does her business and why Charlie doesn’t wear a diaper. I explained to her that it is only water touching her private parts when she is bathing and not poo or pee.
She nodded and interspersed with comments like, “Charlie’s poo bye-bye.” And “Daddy poo-poo potty.” And “Charlie’s ‘gina.” She looked very pensive and thoughtful.
I don’t think it solved our problem but her little head is churning. One day she will sort it all out.
Right?
Please say yes.
