A matter of trust December 5, 2006
Posted by spacemom in : Kids , trackbackSunday was a watershed day. One of those days that I hope to remember forever.
It was evening and Soleil was having an apple snack before bed. I had my legs stretched out and she was resting on them. She looked up at me.
S: "Mom? I broke a rule today"
Me:"hmm, which one? The don’t go on a castle roof one?"
S: "No, I went up on the top bunk while the fan was on"
Me:"Oh, what happened?"
S: "The fan hit my fingers and they got all red. I asked Daddy to turn off the fan"
Me: "Did Daddy get mad at you?"
S: "No, he got me some ice. I’m sorry I broke a rule."
Me: "It’s okay. The reason we have that rule is so you don’t hurt yourself. You broke the rule and guess what? You hurt yourself. Next time, turn off the fan first, okay?"
S: "Okay. Are you mad, mommy?"
Me: "No, I just want you to be safe."
S:"Okay"
The subject then changed. But inside, I was thrilled. Soleil and I just had a discussion about breaking a rule and the consequences. I didn’t yell or freak out on her. I let her explain how things went. Sure, this is a small thing, but this is how you lay out trust. I want both of the girls to feel comfortable with coming to us with a big problem. I don’t want them to be afraid of us yelling or losing it.
And so begins the start of trust.
Comments»
No Spacemom episodes on “Super Nanny” then?
In all seriousness though, congratulations. That must’ve felt so great. And big kudos to Miss Soleil, for her sprouting courage!
Way to go, Mom.