“Do you love Sophie as much as you love me?” she asked.
posted Thursday April 15th, 2010
Someone once told me that you’re not supposed to praise your kid too much.
I’m sure there’s some sort of psychology behind it, but I don’t buy it. I don’t think you can praise your kid enough. Not if you mean it, anyway. And if I’m wrong, and it screws them up, I’ll happily pay their therapy bills.
Last night, Sophie fell asleep early (too much excitement over a dinner date with Ms. X — she could barely keep her eyes open by the time the guest of honor arrived) and Annabelle stayed up late-ish, painting with a fancy set of oils my mom got her.
It was a rare quiet moment. I watched Annabelle from the side, so serious about her creation — choosing just the right shade of green, trying out different tools in her paint kit. I got up and hugged her from behind, smoothed her hair, whispered in her ear, “I love you so much, Annabelle Rose! You are the best kid ever.”
She turned her face up to look at me.
“Do you love Sophie as much as you love me?” she asked.
“I do,” I answered.
“Good,” she sighed, leaning back into my arms.
older sis with a heart of gold.
Annabelle and Sophie are lucky girls! I’ve always been one of those give a standing ovation at almost every occasion moms – so far no therapy
Oh Good job! you managed to do it right, sisters that care about each other!
I was told, by someone wiser than I, to limit compliments about things over which kids do NOT have control (i.e. beautiful eyes) but pour it on about things over which they DO have control (being helpful, having a good attitude, being kind etc.). I like that advice!
Annabelle and Sophie are lucky girls! I’ve always been one of those give a standing ovation at almost every occasion moms – so far no therapy
I love this post
I am so often struck by the extremely strong bond between my two that I could totally imagine my Annabelle (hey, she’s Annabelle Rose, too, so weird) saying the same thing to Cooper. So so sweet.