August 30, 2006Speaking Strong with Grandpa
I must tell you that I was quite surprised that I opened my mouth and spoke strong to my Grandmother’s husband this weekend. I have a 3 1/2 year old daughter who, like any other 3 years old, loves candy. My Grandmother and her husband do not see my daughter and me as often as they would like. They visited us last weekend and shortly after they arrived my Grandmother’s husband was telling my daughter to put her hand down his pocket to retrieve a piece of candy. I immediately got the willies, but did nothing about it at that time. I was very upset at myself for saying nothing. The next day I figured the same incident would occur and I was ready this time. I talked to my daughter about it before hand and told her that she should not go into his pocket if he asks again. When he did it this time, my daughter looked up at me to make sure it was ok, then I shook my head “NO” which he saw. He asked me why I shook my head no to my daughter and I told him,
- That is inappropriate, I would rather you hand her the candy.
We talked more about it later because he didn’t understand why I had a problem, he meant no harm. I told him the next person that tells my daughter to put her hand down his pants pocket may not have pockets. Then he understood. I was really protecting my daughter from the chance something similar may happen when I am not around. I felt so good about standing up for what I knew was the right thing.
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Excellent article. thank you for sharing. I have a daughter too, and I’m scare out of my witts when she is out of my site.
Comment by Da-Thao Le — August 30, 2006 @ 5:11 pm
You must look out for your child; parents are more astute to dangers than past generations, or at least aware of possibilities that are out there.
I applaud the dilligence of this parent.
Comment by Ouiser — August 31, 2006 @ 7:29 am
What a wonderful mom!!! I too would have been concerned, but in the age I grew up in we were taught to respect our elders, authority figures, etc. - NEVER to question their behavior. As a mother I would have been in a horrible dilemma by this situation. I wouldn’t have had my parents support and they certainly would have been mortified if I would have said anything and very condemning of MY behavior for being disrespectful. Back when my now 17 year old was that young, my recourse would have been just to avoid the stepgrandfather - which in the end would have deprived everyone of having a positive relationship between the generations. Thank goodness times are changing and I so admire you as a mom for your handling of the situation in such a fantastic way!!!! Everyone wins!!! God Bless You!!!
Comment by Janette — August 31, 2006 @ 7:32 am
I only wish every mom in the world could read this story. Aware parents like you are the very best advocate a child has. You have taught her that she does not have to obey every command given to her, no matter who it’s from. You gave her a voice - HER voice - something many children do not have. You also taught her that it’s okay to question authority, and that is a GOOD thing. There should be a required course in protecting children for every would-be parent…this example could be a prime teaching tool in that course. Way to go.
Comment by Cindy Hapanowicz — August 31, 2006 @ 11:59 am