Scene: Three-year-old is on the toilet while I keep her company.
The Girl (a bit weepy): I don't want another day like these days.
Me: What's wrong with these days?
TG: Um, um, um. I didn't have fun.
Me: I thought you had fun playing with Mommy's old Barbies.
TG (still weepy): Yes, but it was kind of boring.
Me: Did you have fun at school playing with your friends?
TG: Yes, but . . .
Me: What's your favorite thing to do?
TG (thinking a minute): Playing with grown-ups.
Me: Playing with grown-ups? Why grown-ups?
TG: Because then I don't have to miss them.
Me (almost weepy): Oh.
TG: And I don't want to have to hear "Wait a minute."
Me: Oh, Do growns-ups say "Wait a minute" a lot?
TG (even weepier): Yes.
Me (feeling very guilty): It's hard that sometime grown-ups have to do chores and things when you want to play?
TG: Yes. And I want to be at home sometimes when [insert brother's name] isn't hear so he doesn't mess up my games and come over and yell "Raaaaaa!!!!"
Me: You want more one-on-one time with Mommy and Daddy?
TG (still kind of weepy, but getting better): Yes.
Me (thoroughly chastened): Okay. Are you done going potty?
TG: Yes.
End scene. Begin my feelings of inadequacy as mother.
2 comments:
I thinking pooping with Mommy is considered quality time.
I understand how upsetting those kinds of conversations can be! Hugs to you.
She was surprisingly articulate about what she wanted, though, and that reflects wonderfully on you as a parent!
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