Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Teaching a kid how to be a kid

Sunday I let Rose know she could have some of the orange soda she had leftover from the previous day with lunch. Instead of "cool" or even a smile, she gave me a look that screamed guilt.

"Yea, about that. I have something to tell you," she said. "I got up this morning and drank it."

We were pretty calm about it, and at lunch I found myself giving Rose a few tips on getting away with stuff. I told her, when I was your age, I would probably have been tempted to do the same thing, I said. Except I would have taken a few sips knowing my  mom wouldn't notice a few missing sips, but she would miss a whole missing bottle. Granted, I said, it's not good to lie or deceive I said.  She eyed me suspiciously.

Why teach Rose how to get away with things? Well, because in many ways she's not a kid. She's either three or she's so intent on being right she won't even let herself get away with anything. I think getting away with things, or at least thinking you are, is an important part of being a kid. So we'll see if the plan back fires.

No comments: