I mean we don’t want to raise pushovers right? We don’t want to raise followers. But we also don’t want to raise assholes.
It’s not all about them but how much do we teach them to serve others? Type a personalities go places but they also raise hell (and not always the good hell).
Then you add a toddler’s brain to the mix where they can’t fully explain their emotions or frustrations and what do you get? Meltdowns. Tantrums. Hitting. Growling. Not being able to socialize with other strong willed children-separation. How do you find a balance?
No, seriously. I'm asking you.
My toddler (well, technically preschooler now) has been pushing all the buttons lately. I know he wants to find his indolence. I know he can fully communicate what he wants and doesn't want. I know he is tired of adults telling him what to do and what not to do.
I get it. I really do.
But how the hell do I tell him it's cool to be the class leader, but then turn around and say "but take turns."
My poor child.
Today at tumbling, he wanted to be the line leader. Coach told him to let someone else be the leader and to try being second.
He didn't like that. He left the gym floor and came in to the parent room. I asked him if he didn't want to participate any more and he told me his dilemma. I was frank, "If you don't want to take turns, let's go home."
He didn't like that either. So he decided to give it another try.
Everything was going well. He even got to jump on the trampoline first. After his turn, he sat down like he was supposed to.
Crisscross-apple sauce.
The other child that he was butting heads with about being leader - another strong-willed child. Came up after his turn, pushed my son to the side (so he could be first to get sticker).
My son didn't like that.
He retaliated.
He open handedly punched the other child in the stomach.
I watched the whole ordeal from the parent window.
So did the other child's mother.
We both exchanged looks, shook our heads, gathered up our gear and retrieved our boys.
No - pushing is not tolerated.
No - hitting is not tolerated ...
But how do you explain that to two four years olds who want to rule the world one day?
How?!
All I want to do is raise polite boys that respect each other and others around them. I want them to tolerate those they can't stand and to stand up for what they believe in. I want them to check facts before arguing and I want them to have their own opinions. I want them to be president if they so care to. I want them to be the leaders of the world, not the followers that mindlessly walk the earth.
Where the hell is the user manual on this kid!?!
