I think a lot about Charlie going from age 3, still potty training, to age 6, starting first grade, during The Pandemic. And The Cancer. It’s been tough on the little guy. On all of us.
He can be demanding, he talks constantly (and I mean CONSTANTLY), and he’s stubborn. And he hates change. And he’s inflexible. He’s also incredibly quick minded and loves a debate. Did I mention he’s stubborn? I have had many days when I was at the bottom of my parenting skills for this style of child.
But lately, I’ve had break through moments. Not him, he’s the same Charlie. But I’ve had a few aha parenting moments. I managed to listen at just the right time and the little bugger said some profound things. Things like “Thank you Mama for talking to me like that, I like it when we have these big talks.”
Noted kiddo, noted. More one-on-one talks, got it. I’ll do more big talking, you do less discussion of “Mama’s diddly do” at school…deal?