It wasn't that big of deal because it was just chalk, but it was Madelyn's response that made me want to remember this "incident".
I was coming down the stairs from getting ready to go to my cousin's bridal shower and I heard Madelyn say in a very loud voice, "Color, pitty". I knew that meant she had colored on something, and since she wasn't at the table I was very curious to know where she had just colored and with what. Turns out it was the sides of the Island in the kitchen with the already mentioned tool, chalk.
I started with, "Oh no, Madelyn". That hurt her feelings. She put a pouty face on and looked at me from under her drooping head and furrowed eyebrows. She wasn't responding the way I wanted so I changed my approach to, "Madelyn, It is very pretty, but we are only supposed to use chalk outside." I could see the light bulb go on. her face lightened when she realized that it wasn't the art work that I didn't like...just the chosen location of the art work. She grabbed the dish towel hanging a few feet away and began to wipe off the chalk. I was pretty proud of her for understanding...and completely relieved it was just chalk.
(The North end of the Island)
(The South end of the Island where I found Madelyn)
4 comments:
So cute! Brings back memories - you're a great mom! Maddi is a dolly - a smart dolly :). Love ya.
Oh my gosh! How cute is that? I'm so happy for you that it was just chalk!
Wow, that's great that she responded so well! What a sweetie!
That's a cute story. Way to change your approach with her, and how awesome that she understood :) That made me think about how sad misunderstandings like that are, when the child doesn't understand the true problem, but feels bad about themselves! (I'm relieved for you too that it was only chalk)!
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