Misunderstanding
Earlier today Zale called on the house phone’s intercom to see what the weight and heights are for the kids. (We’re looking to redo our health insurance) I guessed on the girls, but didn’t have a clue about Anthony, so I knocked on the wall (his bedroom is on the other side of the living room wall, knocking on the wall is easier than yelling for him) to get his attention. He poked his head around the wall and I said “go weigh”. He looked at me with a hurt expression and went back in his room. I was a bit irritated because the scales are in my bathroom and I thought he was ignoring my request. So I knock on the wall again, he pokes his head around the wall and I said “Go Weigh”, a little louder this time because I was irritated. With that hurt expression he said, “why are you telling me to go away?” Poor thing, I felt so bad. This time I explained what I meant and he did it. But I could tell he was still hurt. I’ve apologized several times and given a couple of hugs (that he tolerated). I also told him that I would never tell him to go away.
I know as parents our goal is to raise them to be self sufficient so they can leave the house and make it on their own, but I’m not looking forward to that day!
This little misunderstanding is also a good example of how fragile our kids can be when it comes to what we say to them. A good reminder for myself to always be careful to not say anything to them that will make them feel unwanted or unloved.
