Of all the relationships we make in life, there's probably none more complicated and complex as a relationship with another "mom". It can either be a great experience and a bond is instantly made, or it can be like entering into shark infested waters with a hunk of red meat strapped to your back. In reality, it all depends on the kids.... We as moms have very little to do with it.
Take yesterday for example.... After I picked Katherine up from preschool, we came home, grabbed a bite for lunch, and then since it was so nice outside, we took off for the park. We didn't end up getting there until 12:30 or 12:45 (which is nap time for a lot of kids), so when we got there the park was empty. Katherine and Caleb were having a blast together -- playing so nicely, making up games, running from one piece of equipment to the next.
About 20 minutes later, another mom and her three boys show up at the park. I found out they were 5, 4, and 2. The other mom and I were talking and laughing. We really connected --- UNTIL her oldest son came up to Katherine and threw a handful of ground up tires into her face. (** Oh yea... and it was TOTALLY unprovoked. They weren't even really playing together.). GAME OVER. Budding relationship -- DONE. Momma bear has come out, and I'm furious.... not only because he threw ground up tires in Katherine's face, but also because his mother said NOTHING. I was shocked. You've got to be kidding me. He didn't stop there either. He went on and on about how much bigger he was, how Katherine looked like a baby, how much faster, taller, etc he was. It was sickening. So, yes, of course, I step in. She's not a baby I assure him.... And fast??? Yes she is. At that point she took off running, and he started chasing her, and guess what???? He couldn't catch her. Inside I'm laughing. Inside I'm glad she showed that boy. Inside I'm beaming that she has the self-confidence not to let that random boy bring her down. I'm proud of her, proud of her ability at such a young age to handle the situation with such grace.
My relationship with the other mom never recovered. She was nice enough, but her kid was a brat, and found it fun to pick on Katherine, and she didn't correct him. UUUUUGH! In an instance like this, there would NEVER be a time I'm not in Katherine's corner. Momma bear came out, momma bear was angry, and momma bear wasn't about to let some boy hurt her little girl! There's NO relationship I could ever develop worth that.
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