Joshua came running down the hall this morning so I could check his teeth. I'm trying to teach him to take care of brushing them all by himself - but I have incredibly unrealistic expectations. Like, if you brushed them well, you should get all of the food off - and yes, I do believe that includes the back ones. He got to make three attempts this morning. This is not a record. Throughout all of these conversations I was very proud of myself - I did not yell, I did not huff and puff and stomp my feet. I did not shake my son until his beautiful, clean, white teeth fell out of his head. I was calm - outwardly at least. Inside I was wondering what was so stinking hard about brushing your teeth!
After my dear, sweet child finally passed inspection - he was dressed, wearing shoes, hair brushed and clean teeth - I took a deep breath, ready for battle number two with the princess. And then I felt a little tug on my pants. "I hold you!" - this is Abigail for "I need a hug." I picked her up to give her a quick hug. She held on for much longer than usual. I was about to ask what was wrong when I felt her pat my cheek and whisper "I proud you! No yellin!" That's when it hit me, she was giving ME a hug - not the other way around. It also reminded me of something important - my kids notice everything. They notice when I'm short tempered and less patient that usual - but they also notice when I try. I can't say I realized until this morning that they might appreciate that I try - but it's good to know. Just like positive re-enforcement works great for my preschooler, it probably works pretty well for her mommy too.
