Princess? Come here please.
What?
Have you looked at this reading bench mark test?
(blank stare)
Come look. 68%. Did not follow directions. 52%. Did not follow directions. 55%. Did not follow directions. This is a test that's supposed to show the state what you know, and you did not even read the directions.
Mom?
Do not ask me if you can play Wii.
Uggggggggh....I wasn't going to.
Good.
Mom?
Yes?
Uhhhhhhh. Ummmmmm. How was your day?
Fine. Thank you for asking.
What did you do?
I helped in the Cuddle Bear's Class.
Was it fun?
Yes. I really enjoy helping in each of your classes.
Mom?
Do not ask me if you can play Wii.
FINE!!!!
That is the first time Princess has ever asked me so much about myself. Which is good, right? Even though it was entirely motivated by want of stuff? This is how I'm trying to look at it, anyway. It grates my every nerve when she attempts to manipulate me by treating me like she recognizes I am a person, so I guess my choice is to get irritated, or to notice that she (sort of) practiced interpersonal contact instead of screaming and jumping up and down.
I'm sure there will be another chance for me to choose the low road.
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Ok. I waited for someone else to post on this because I have no knowledge of the problems your family goes through but I can't wait any longer.
ReplyDeleteWOW!!
Princess listened to you tell her she did not follow directions.
She understood that you were upset with her actions.
She accepted your displeasure.
She continued to carry on a conversation with you by asking AND listening to your responses.
You talked to her reasonably and said 'thank you for asking' in the middle of your frustration.
You remained angry and still forbade the wii playing.
She didn't scream and jump up and down!! She didn't die!! She didn't take her anger out on anyone or anything else (I hope.)
You have both walked on that High Road!!
She is learning interpersonal communication without resorting to screaming and yelling and being terribly angry because someone is mad at her actions. She is growing up.
You, you are remarkable.
Kerrie, please come back to blogging land. I've missed you.
ReplyDelete