At the age of five Marjolein brought in an invisible friend. So far I didn't worry. It was perfectly normal I couldn't see her imaginary friend. After all he was invisible wasn't he? It became disturbing after a week when her "friend" started to be naughty. Marjolein was little miss Perfect. She didn't do anything wrong, her invisible friend however.... Three days later, her imaginary friend was gone forever. Mom didn't buy the trick and told daughter dearest that it wasn't an invisible hand that turned the sugarpot upside down, but the hand of Marjolein. Her first steps to the rule: "I am responsible for my own deeds".
At the age of eight she took on an annoying habbit to call me "cow". I told her I didn't like it, I let her stay in her room for a while. I told her I would stop cooking for her, washing her clothes if she didn't show respect for me. Nothing worked. Untill I got a brilliant idea. I called her for supper and again she answered with: "Yes, cow, I'm coming." (One could say she was speaking with two words at least.) I said: "Sit down, calf." Her face showed a tremendous horrified expression as she said: "Why are you calling me a calf, I am not a calf." "Yes, you are a calf." "Why?", she insisted. I said smiling: "The children of cows are calves. You are my child. If you think I am a cow then you are a calf. That's logical isn't it." She never called me a cow again.
The most important thing is to love your child unconditionally and let them know you love them and that they belong with you.
"Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise."
hahaha, great story. She learned some good lessons from you. I hope nowadays everything is okay with you and your daughter.
ReplyDeleteYour cousin: Johnny