Want to hear Hudson’s shining pinnacle of brilliance for today? It happened this way:
I tell him not to touch the glass in front of the fireplace. He looks up at me innocently, pauses for a moment to think, and then mutters these four words:
“No tell me do.”
I stare in stunned silence.
Where did he learn the phrase “Don’t tell me what to do?”
I respond, of course, by telling Hudson it’s Mommy’s job to tell him what to do. I say he must never say that again or he’ll get a swat on his bottom. I ask him, “Where on earth did you learn to say that? And how come you’re practically speaking in sentences?”
Since I don’t have other children, I don’t really know how well other almost-2-year-olds are speaking. Maybe they all speak in sentences and I’m foolishly amazed at the wonder of my own child. But when he walks around the house saying, “I have shoes on. I go outside and play. Mommy, come play,” I shake my head, amazed.
I’ve told you before how much I love watching him learn to talk. It’s an amazing feat of exponential growth. One day he learns how to say something like “DVD” (which comes out “DBD”) and the next day he’s collecting all the DVDs in the house and talking about TV, movies and Bob (the builder). It’s just so much fun to see him make the connections.
And then, of course, there are days like today where I am reminded that my son is human. He has a strong will and like all of us, he wants to get his own way. The challenge isn’t to break his will, but to refine it. To teach him how to control himself, to obey mommy, and that we don’t always get what we want in life when we want it. More than anything, I want him to trust me. To believe I’m doing what’s best for him.
My goodness, how children need to be refined! They have all of humanity’s good and bad potential. On the one hand, they are beautiful, innocent, trusting. I love my own with my whole heart. On the other hand, they are willful, stubborn and selfish. I don’t really blame them–better things come with time and good discipline–but I recognize the potential for great good, and for great evil. We all carry it within us, but with God’s help we choose the good.
Maybe that’s why I’m not angered by my son’s display of attitude this evening. He’s testing his limits, and testing mine, which is part of being a 2 year-old. It’s my job to curb that behavior, but I also appreciate his strength of will. If that can be refined into strength of character rather than rebellion, then Hudson will turn into one awesome dude.
God help me to refine him. Help me to consistently discipline him in a way that honors you.
Ok have to admit I laughed out loud. Dutch knows if he says “no” he’ll get a spank, so he says, “I want not do that.” How do they manage to defy without defying? They are crafty little precious sinners! I’m walking by your side with my crazy little one…
I just love that very unique way Hudson puts his opinions into words… I shouldn’t be laughing! But this laughter comes in waves that ebb and flo as I recall the various things that have tickled me so about your son. This is certainly one of my very favorites! This morning as we were packing for our trip, small Hudson was standing in front of his big tall daddy when suddenly he said those same exact words. I excused myself and tiptoed out.