When did I lose control? The thought struck me as I was called to the breakfast table by my four year old, who had set the table, poured cereal, milk and juice, laid out napkins for all, and chosen an “after breakfast cookie” for each person. When Mary reached for her cookie right away, she took it out of her hand and in her best motherly voice explained that she would allow her to have a cookie only after she had eaten her whole bowl of cereal. And of course, Mary was completely compliant with the deal, picked up her spoon (well more accurately, picked up her bowl) and began to finish her breakfast.
So, when did I lose control? What have I become to this independent four year old? The old woman who lives in her house while she runs a home and takes care of a two year old? Oh well. Perhaps I should celebrate her independence and the natural mothering abilities that seem to be emerging at such a young age.
Maybe tomorrow, I’ll teach her to scrub the toilets and scour the shower tile.
When Did I Lose Control?
When did I lose control? The thought struck me as I was called to the breakfast table by my four year old, who had set the table, poured cereal, milk and juice, laid out napkins for all, and chosen an “after breakfast cookie” for each person. When Mary reached for her cookie right away, she took it out of her hand and in her best motherly voice explained that she would allow her to have a cookie only after she had eaten her whole bowl of cereal. And of course, Mary was completely compliant with the deal, picked up her spoon (well more accurately, picked up her bowl) and began to finish her breakfast.
So, when did I lose control? What have I become to this independent four year old? The old woman who lives in her house while she runs a home and takes care of a two year old? Oh well. Perhaps I should celebrate her independence and the natural mothering abilities that seem to be emerging at such a young age.
Maybe tomorrow, I’ll teach her to scrub the toilets and scour the shower tile.
Wow, sounds like a good deal to me, If Jack would get up in the morning and make him and Stella breakfast while I slept, till oh let’s say 6:30 even, I would be down on my knees thanking God. Your kids are too cute. And an after breakfast cookie, great Idea. I say a cookie after every meal would be perfect.
Oh yeah and then show her how to cook dinner!!! Hmmm, sounds like me – I was the first born and became such a little bossy boots. But in a good way :p
This is great. my daughter seems to be reverting to childhood with her new little brother around. She is feeling very needy right now. Good luck with the toilet thing, even a four year old would know that’s a bad job.
too funny!
Heheh, I *so* recognize your situation!
I’m spending a lot of time explaining to our four year old that the ones who get to work to pay for everything and do all the work in the house, also get to make the biggest decisions around here. (She totally disagrees.)
haha, that’s coool! 🙂 I like the way you described it. makes me laugh so hard.
That picture is hilarious!! I often feel the same way with Emma, but Peter reminds me that she is exactly like me, so much so its weird. But hey, if your Emma is gonna mother Mary like that, at least you should be able to retreat to crafts and get much more done. I read a book last year of an impoverished family and the 4 year old daughter took care of her younger brother while her mother worked all day. I joked with Peter that Emma was apparently not pulling her weight around here.
It’s so nice when they get a little more independent, isn’t it? My only advice is…don’t let her take it too far! lol! I thought it was great when Allison started doing that with her little brother…now she thinks she is in charge of everything, and I have to keep reminding her that I am the mother, not her! lol!
oh that is so great. you must be a good mom for her to be so good like that- since she is reflecting your example. I get so scared that it would be more likely Owen will show my lack of patience and such …..
That is just too funny! I too have a very independent almost four year old and it gives me a lot of chuckles throughout the day. I think its a nice compliment to you that she is guiding along her little sister in a loving way. Thanks for the nice comment on my blog the other day about my hair and my daughter. Its easy to take things for granted but this time of year I always think a little bit more about it. Thank God everyone is healthy now!
We’re entering this phase with my almost 5 yr old. Saturday morning I found her sitting on the kitchen counter eating cereal and milk that she fixed all for herself. If she could get her brother out of his crib I’m sure she would have!
That is so sweet and amazing!
This brought tears to my eyes {hormonally induced as I am due any day with daughter number two!} but what a sweet story! And yes embrace the realization that you have raised such a soulful and beautiful child. It reminds me of earlier this week when a sappy magazine article called forth tears of emotion {again, hormones!} and my two-year-old crawled into my lap and said Mommy, crying? Its okay Mama and dapped my tears with her sleeve are they not the most incredible beings in the world?
Help! My four year old son is the opposite!! He is very needy and completely resisting being independent. He has a two year old brother, so I can only think that he desperately wants to be the “baby.” He is my shadow. I’m beginning to resent him because I can NEVER be alone except when he is asleep at night. What to do?!