My kids didn't actually start a social life after school for another couple of years but this was a crisis.
Melissa was sympathetic but did not indulge Audrey's self-pity. She caught Audrey's attention and then said, quite firmly,
"Audrey, how Angela treated you today has NOTHING to do with you; Angela was having a bad day and she took it out on you!
Melissa's wisdom astonished me. I couldn't remember explaining this human tendency to her; she must have learned this information just by being part of our family.
Children learn not by just words and actions but by osmosis. The atmosphere or the "vibe" that fills our homes forms our children, be it loving and accepting or critical and condemning.
A child is like a magnifying glass pointing out our faults, good points and even our unconscious through their words and actions.
Angela, the reigning, self proclaimed princess of the grade two class at St. Thomas, had treated poor Audrey terribly all day and she was crying over the phone.
"Audrey, how Angela treated you today has NOTHING to do with you; Angela was having a bad day and she took it out on you!
Melissa's wisdom astonished me. I couldn't remember explaining this human tendency to her; she must have learned this information just by being part of our family.
Children learn not by just words and actions but by osmosis. The atmosphere or the "vibe" that fills our homes forms our children, be it loving and accepting or critical and condemning.
A child is like a magnifying glass pointing out our faults, good points and even our unconscious through their words and actions.
How sweet is that! I don't know the word but I want to say inspirational.. You must have a wonderful home.
ReplyDeletelots of hilarious chaos, that's for sure
DeleteSo glad to connect with you here. Can chatter on BlogHer but cannot respond there to chatter or comments, don't want people to think I don't want to engage. I love this post. With older kids like mine, the best way for me to gage who they are is often in how they interact/support each other.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to meet you; I love "engaging"- this word has so much more texture than connecting!
ReplyDeleteI am going to repeaat what I said on Blogher about commenting to make sure that you get this message as soon as possible
Are you using an old version of Windows XP as your browser? With this new set-up mine would not let me respond. When I chose Mozilla Fire fox, suddenly the comment post worked in both chatter and comments. Darcie gave me this tip
Denise moderator
Please email me, denise@blogher.com, so that I can help you resolve the comment problems. (they will not resolve themselves, unless you take Melanie's advice and switch to Firefox.)
Just tried Google Chrome but didn't work. My son will help me after school, but in the meantime I'm emailing Denise. Thanx
Delete"A child is like a magnifying glass pointing out our faults, good points and even our unconscious through their words and actions." You have an incredible way of sharing a profound message. I'm impressed! Thank you, Melanie. I hope I can also write amazing posts in my fashion blog.
ReplyDeleteI am rarely speechless-thank-you
DeleteI so hope my daughters learn such wonderful wisdom in my home... I don't feel nearly wise enough to teach it!
ReplyDeleteYpu just have to live it- forgive, love and most importantly laugh at yourself and with your kids because that puts everything into perspective
DeleteSo true Melanie as I was reminded of today. We can only protect our children from so much and then they either see past our good intentions or you just have to let them learn that life is not all laughter and fun. As I said to someone today although it is hard sometimes honesty in a situation is the best way.
ReplyDelete