While on a family outing recently, as fatigue set in on us weary parents, the need for one of those “emergency only” bribes seemed in order. Daddy told the kids if they could be patient and quiet until the next gas stop, he would buy them a little treat. The long minutes wore on until our youngest, age 3, could no longer hold back. Apparently he’d been plotting his treat of choice during the silent time:
Child: “I want Skittles. When do I get Skittles?”
[Note: we have a cat named “Skittles.”]
Daddy (joking): “You can’t have Skittles. Skittles is at home. You’ll have to wait until we get there.”
Child: “But I want Skittles now!”
Daddy: “Sorry, you can’t have Skittles until we get home, Buddy. It’s going to be a while longer.”
[Long, reflective pause…]
Child, giggling now: “But it would be silly to eat a cat, Dad!”
Wouldn’t it be great to climb inside a child’s mind and see it in motion — the black and white of it, the literal pictures that form as they take in new information. What an amusing scene it would be.
And now, a clarification on yesterday’s post. My intention in sharing the quote about inhaling and exhaling thoughts and words was done mainly for my benefit, to help me stay focused on my intentions in choosing what words and thoughts to share with you. Even as I posted it, I wondered if other bloggers might feel it was a statement directed at them. Not at all. We all have different styles, different intentions, different motivations for our writing. The quote was a directive aimed back at me, mainly, to help me stay true to my purpose of informing and enlightening, especially regarding the parenting journey. It wasn’t so much that I felt I’d steered away from that; more a simple and good reminder to myself and a renewal of my writing intentions for your benefit. I’m not sure that was clear, so there it is. đŸ™‚
May those of you who read today be inspired or leave with a smile or renewed perspective. May those of you who both read and write enjoy your dual roles as giver and recipient, and always remember the power of words.
Happy parenting and living!
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