This evening Hope wrestled with right and wrong in such an obvious way that you could practically see the angel and demon on her shoulders! Daddy gave her a new pen, and for some reason, she decided to test it out by drawing an 'H' on the bottom of one of her shoes. We have a "only draw on paper rule" around here, but I wasn't really upset about the bottom of her shoe. Honestly I was impressed that she brought it to me - sheepishly - and showed me what she did. I told her I understood her curiosity, but I reminded her that we only draw on paper.
I thought that was the end of it. A few minutes later, pen in hand, she said she needed some 'alone time' and closed her bedroom door. I tapped on the door and asked if she remembered what we just talked about. She did. I reminded her that I do not like sneakiness. She remembered. So I told her to go ahead with her alone time, but that if I discovered she was drawing on her shoe after we'd had this specific conversation, she'd be in trouble. She got it.
A few minutes later I asked her, through the door, what she was doing. Got to give her credit, she said, "I'm thinking about drawing on my shoe." Oy. I offered another reminder to do the right thing, even when the wrong thing seems fun. And a little prayer that she'd learn that lesson young!
Well, I went into her room after another few minutes, fully expecting to have to dole out some consequences. Turns out, when she said she was thinking about drawing on her shoe she wasn't plotting to do it again, but was thinking about what she'd done. And she admitted that she made one of the marks behind her back WHILE I was talking to her about not doing it. She was nervous that I'd be upset, but I was actually really proud. It took nerve to admit that!
We hugged it out and I did my best to reassure her that she is a very good girl, that I wasn't mad at her, and that I trust she'll do the right thing next time. She was happy to have the assurance, but asked me not to tell Grandma about this because, "she thinks I'm always so nice!"
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3 comments:
OMG...your little family is amazing. You are such a patient and understanding mother. Clearly, you are teaching Hope to be honest and disciplined even when it doesn't feel good. That is a HUGE lesson for a four year old. She will struggle with it again, of course, but she's so blessed to have you guys guiding her along the way. And nothing will change my opinion - Hope is the angel child of her angel mom.
So glad Hope feels good enough to test her limits. It's the best way to grow up and know God's, Mom's and Grandma's unconditional love. She needs space to do just this. If not now, it will be hard on her and everyone later. I am thankful for Godly parents and Grandparents.
Love you,
Grandmommy
Hope is really something special. I love that she admits things to you and I especially love how well you handle those situations.
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