I’m not sure if it was the package of Bertie’s Every Flavor Beans or the recent memory of Halloween, but when one of my daughters asked our youngest if she wanted to try a questionable jelly-bean and I hesitated, not knowing the allergens involved, I saw, for the first time, our youngest change.
She understood and was affected.
Rather than ignore, I followed her into her bedroom and quietly conversed, “Hey, how are you?”
Forlornly, she looked at me and I knew the jig was up.
There was no more fooling this three “and-a-half” year-old.
I decided to meet her where she was.
“Are you sad because you aren’t able to eat the same things as your sisters?”
It was a first admission of mine. The terrible truth almost always substituted or downright avoided.
Instead of answering, she buried her head into my shoulder and wept.
What is a mother to do?
Pancakes, muffins, cupcakes, waffles, even popsicles I can substitute.
But jellybeans on the fly? I’m out of my realm.
She’s too old to fool.
Instead, I meet her.
Yes, this sucks.
No, this isn’t fair.
Yes, you can be sad and angry.
And together, we will find your way, child.
We are more than the worst thing that has ever happened to us.
We will find our way.
New Leaf Parenting 