For five years Alannah and I have been playing "Talk for the Baby" - a name she made up to describe our activity of her being the Mom and me talking for a stuffed animal. The past couple of years she has grown to love this game, particularly when she suggests that one of them has a problem or issue for her to solve/discipline. Sometimes she gets frustrated at Teddy's antics or upset when White Bear doesn't listen or raises her eyebrow when Loving complains about not getting her way. I love this game because I get to hear Alannah mimic my expectations of her. Sometimes I have to step in and say, "That's not how a child talks to her mother," and then she'll straighten her shoulders and say, "Loving, that's now how a child talks to her mother." She gives clear directions and consequences, counts to three, explains the rules of the house, forgives - - - all the things I do for her.
This week Pony was especially troublesome for Alannah. Pony said, "I'm so cute and smart! I'm the cutest and smartest!"
"Wait!" said Alannah, "are you bragging?"
"Well, wouldn't you brag if you were as cute and smart as me?"
She pushed harder, "Are you bragging?"
Pony was oblivious, "Anyone as cute and smart as me would say so!"
A couple more rounds like this were very difficult for Alannah. Tears welled in her eyes. She said softly, "I can't believe one of my children would talk like this. We do not brag in our house. Bragging makes other people sad and jealous. I don't want to hear you talk like this again."
Pony immediately was remorseful about her ignorance! She apologized and promised to not talk that way again.
Later I asked Alannah where she learned that bragging makes other people sad and jealous. This issue is not one I've had to teach Alannah since she is not a bragger, and I was curious. She said, "I was gonna say from YOU!" I think she is one amazing kid, and I hope that doesn't sound like I'm bragging!