I pulled up to the house. My body aching from an aerobics class that had just kicked my out-of-shape booty. My body screamed as I climbed out of the car in order to pick up Hannah who had been playing with her friend.
With excerted effort, I managed to convince Hannah that it was time to go. But coming easily didn't seem to be part of her plan. As I sat down in my car I noticed that Hannah has stopped, admiring the beautiful spring flowers. I sighed as I thought of getting out of the car. I was sure that my legs (now feeling quite a bit like jelly) would refuse to cooperate. So I called out instead.
Gradually, and at her own pace (which was slower than slow), Hannah began to creep closer to the car. By the time she came within a couple of feet of the car, my patience was long gone. I waited a moment longer, until Hannah was close enough to hear me, then I growled in a low voice;
"Hannah Lee Mackey, get in this car right now!!" My eyes daring her to challenge. But this is Hannah...challenging is what she does best.
Her hands moved quickly to her hips and her eyes narrowed as she said, in her sternest voice,
"Mom!! You don't say that to me!! You don't say," (then mimicing my low growl), "'Hannah Lee Mackey, get in the car!!' You don't say that to me!!"
Her eyes glued on mine, staring me down. "Breath. Count to 10!" I silently reminded myself. I was staring at my 3 year old child who had taken it upon herself to parent ME!! I wanted to yell...but I knew that was no good. It would only magnify the problem. I was tired, bone tired (as my sister-in-law would call it)- I just wanted this stand off over!!
So I changed tactics.
Using the sweetest voice I could muster, without making it sound as forced as it was, I tried again;
"Hannah Lee...will you please get in the car so we can go home?"
Her face relaxed, and a small smile lit up her features.
"Sure mom!!" she said as she reached out to open the door.
I stared at her in complete disbelief. She was the perfect picture of peace and tranquility. As if our heated little stand off had never happened. I was still seething, and she was better than fine. I laughed as I realized that it was simple. She had made her point. And it had been a good one.
Maybe being parented by your kids isn't always such a bad thing. In Mother Teresa's words, "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." Always a good lesson to learn (no matter the teacher!!)
With excerted effort, I managed to convince Hannah that it was time to go. But coming easily didn't seem to be part of her plan. As I sat down in my car I noticed that Hannah has stopped, admiring the beautiful spring flowers. I sighed as I thought of getting out of the car. I was sure that my legs (now feeling quite a bit like jelly) would refuse to cooperate. So I called out instead.
Gradually, and at her own pace (which was slower than slow), Hannah began to creep closer to the car. By the time she came within a couple of feet of the car, my patience was long gone. I waited a moment longer, until Hannah was close enough to hear me, then I growled in a low voice;
"Hannah Lee Mackey, get in this car right now!!" My eyes daring her to challenge. But this is Hannah...challenging is what she does best.
Her hands moved quickly to her hips and her eyes narrowed as she said, in her sternest voice,
"Mom!! You don't say that to me!! You don't say," (then mimicing my low growl), "'Hannah Lee Mackey, get in the car!!' You don't say that to me!!"
Her eyes glued on mine, staring me down. "Breath. Count to 10!" I silently reminded myself. I was staring at my 3 year old child who had taken it upon herself to parent ME!! I wanted to yell...but I knew that was no good. It would only magnify the problem. I was tired, bone tired (as my sister-in-law would call it)- I just wanted this stand off over!!
So I changed tactics.
Using the sweetest voice I could muster, without making it sound as forced as it was, I tried again;
"Hannah Lee...will you please get in the car so we can go home?"
Her face relaxed, and a small smile lit up her features.
"Sure mom!!" she said as she reached out to open the door.
I stared at her in complete disbelief. She was the perfect picture of peace and tranquility. As if our heated little stand off had never happened. I was still seething, and she was better than fine. I laughed as I realized that it was simple. She had made her point. And it had been a good one.
Maybe being parented by your kids isn't always such a bad thing. In Mother Teresa's words, "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." Always a good lesson to learn (no matter the teacher!!)
2 comments:
Wow! That is amazing! CUTE.
Oh Jessica!!!! That is so adorable, what a cutie Hannah is!!! Gosh, we REALLY miss you guys!!! I can't believe how big all your kiddies are!!! Your blog is so cute, I love how you tell stories and your birthday was so sweet, good job Vernon!!! Well, love you guys and hope we can see you sometime, we've got to visit Az we haven't been back yet!!!
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