To our children, for a while at least, we must seem omnipotent and infallible. We must seem very strong and perfect - we set the examples, we are what they aim to be one day, we are their role models.
Oh sure though, before now, JJ has known that I am not infallible, as I'm open with him about the mistakes I make and often apologize for when I've hurt him or his feelings. I feel as a parent it's important that we do that with him - he sees himself as a respected person in our family that matters. We teach him that it's not o.k. for him to hurt others' feelings, and what sense would that make if we often hurt his feelings and never cared to apologize?
But today is a sad day. I realized that my child sees me as inferior, just because I am a girl.
This morning, we had both just announced to each other we needed to use the bathroom (so what, we're an open family):
JJ: Mom - I'll race you to the bathroom. First one there wins!! (and so he took off way before I even had a chance to get out of my chair)
Me (racing behind him but coming in 2nd): Wow, you won! You're fast!
JJ: Mom, yeah of course. Boys are faster than girls.
Me: Excuse me? What makes you think that?
JJ: Mom, (said with tone of "duh"), of course I already knew this because of my machine! I invented a machine that contracts speed. For me it says 152, and for Daddy it also said 152, and well mom, I'm sorry to say this, but for you it was 10.
4 comments:
I am sorry but his response is kind of funny! He sounds like Jimmy Neutron, or a Doctor giving you some bad news! - Love that kid!
Love, ChelChel
I know, it was funny! I'm being purposefully overly dramatic in the blog, it really did make me laugh, but I think it also reminded me that while up until now he's had this awesome connection with me, he and Dave are going to be buds in ways I will never relate or can come close to b/c they're both boys. And while on some huge level, that's awesome and what I want, I know I will also at times feel left out. It just feels like it's just the beginning, you know?! :)
I totally know!!!! John and Luke have so much in common, I don't need to list them all! Sometimes I find myself spending so much time to think of something to say to put myself in the conversation that might be interesting to them, and they both look at me like I don't know what I am talking about, sometimes I laugh it off and make a joke, and other times I want to cry!
Ah, sad. Gender Equality 101 starts here!
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