"Mommy, today at the park I was hanging on the monkey bars and the girl said what I was doing wasn't cool. Why did she say that?"
"I don't know Hannah...that wasn't a very nice thing to say. How did you feel when you were hanging on the monkey bars?"
"Good!"
"Then don't worry about what someone else says. They probably don't know what they're talking about."
"But it made me SAD!"
"I'm sorry, that wasn't very nice of her."
I wasn't sure what to say. I knew that these questions were coming, but I didn't think they'd be here at age 4. How do I teach my daughter to be confident and strong and not to worry about what others think? The truth is, I haven't mastered the art either and I'm nearly 30. I am secretly a little scared because I know how hard it is to be a girl. Especially now. Boys may be aggressive with each other, but girls are just mean. Part of me just wants to keep Hannah zipped up tight in her giraffe tent that sits atop her bed and protect her from all the mean words and hurt feelings that she is sure to experience as she gets older. But, I know that is silly. I made it and so will she. She is definitely becoming more aware of others and as a result, she is more aware of herself. I just want to protect her little girl soul for as long as I can. It is such a beautiful thing and I thank God everyday that I get to witness in my daughter what He intended us all to be like. Is it hopeless to believe that she will hold onto it forever?
Positavid of the Day: The following was a conversation I overheard yesterday between Hannah and Calah:
Hannah: Calah, if you hit me one more time you're not going to church, OK?!
Calah: uh-ha
Hannah: Here honey, lets get your shoes on.
SO PRECIOUS!
2 comments:
ooooooh!!!!!
that's such a tough question and you are right something that girls H's age shouldn't have to face. This is when I'm glad that I don't have girls, yet I can recall how I felt during all those times and then I wish I had a girl to be able to discuss my emotions to empathize with her.
Hannah's a tough cookie!!
btw-uh, if Merlin's version of you is skinny fat? uh--I'm off the charts somewhere out in the Wall-Eye world of short legs and feet..
You're in a bikini after THREE children and your baby isn't even 9months--YOU ARE HOT WOMAN!!!
xo,
me
You are an awesome Mom. I fear the day when Abby gets hurt by a friend for the first time... I get choked up just thinking about it. Miss you so much!
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