Mom-law, like martial law, but mother to child(ren) rather than tyrant to civilians.
So many, too many, mom blog posts focus on what “what I regret doing today as a mother”.
I’ve had my fair share of those moments this summer. Witchling has his own world view and very strong opinions about how to do things. He’s gonna change the world.
But first, he has to help empty the dishwasher.
Not gonna lie, he and I struggled a bit this morning but I’m super proud of myself for how I handled it.
Plastic kid dishes and bowls are out and stacked by Witchlette. Witchling is on utensil duty. He takes out all the tablespoons, puts them away and then comes back for all the teaspoons, followed by forks and knives. A system he devised last week after becoming overwhelmed with a handful of mixed utensils he couldn’t sort on his own. Witchlette gloated she could go faster than him, and grabbed a handful of mixed utensils.
He carfully grabbed teaspoons. She put her first load away, as did he. She grabbed another mixed handful, and there wasn’t many left at this point, so he followed suit. She put her load away and he balked.
The bottom of the dishwasher was done, and I started unloading the glasses, Witchlette started unloading plastic kids cups. Witchling started screaming.
He screamed until he was red. I called him over and he ran away from me, hands still full of utensils. Still screaming. Twice around the table, screaming the whole while. I had him for a moment, but he broke off. Got him again and scooped him up. Together we walked over to the drawer.
Deep breath. Ready?
I took the utensils from him and handed them to him one by one. Chore done, big hug.
I put him down and he immediately ran away for the bathroom. Witchlette and I finished the cooking utensils basket. I dismissed her with thanks, and turned to this pan in the sink from breakfast.
Witchling returned, face still splotchy but no longer beat red. He enveloped me in a hug. I sank to the floor and just held him.
I’ve got you kid.
I know you wanted to do it on your own, your own way. But sometimes, we need help. And one of the bravest things you can do is ask for, and accept, help.