We all know that when we try to impart wisdom to our children, we're never really sure if and when it's absorbed. I strongly believe that behavior is like language. In order for a child to learn language, he or she needs to hear the particulars at least 25 times. So when Melissa was a teenager, we would practice affirmations such as "I work very hard to achieve my goals," "I frequently am kind to others", et cetera. I figured it couldn't hurt and it also helped me in dealing with her teenage self.
While bathing three-year old Ariana tonight, Melissa thought it a good time to start with a positive litany -- one like that in The Help when the maid tries to improve the self-esteem of her charge. And so Melissa said to her, "You're kind, gentle and..." and before Melissa could finish, Ariana added, "And I don't hug people's privates." Stifling her laughter as best she could, Melissa said, "Well, yes, there's that, too."
While bathing three-year old Ariana tonight, Melissa thought it a good time to start with a positive litany -- one like that in The Help when the maid tries to improve the self-esteem of her charge. And so Melissa said to her, "You're kind, gentle and..." and before Melissa could finish, Ariana added, "And I don't hug people's privates." Stifling her laughter as best she could, Melissa said, "Well, yes, there's that, too."
