The cranky pot whiny monster

Beat the traffic, rein in the road rage, and finally get to my parent’s house to pick up my son.

Time check. If I leave here in 10 mins I’ll be home by 7.30pm then 30 minutes for dinner 15 minutes for bath 15 minutes story time and he’ll be asleep by 8.30 that makes it 10 hours of sleep before he wakes up at 6.30am and can catch the bus for school without being cranky all morning still not enough sleep for his age but can’t help that now that’s what it’s like having a working mom he better learn to deal with it…

“Hi Dad….DHRUVVV, come on get your shoes, let’s go!”

“NO.”

Deep breaths.

Dad’s voice floating in from behind the kitchen counter “You want a sandwich?”

“No thanks Dad. I got to rush. Come on sweetie. We have to go now. Dad, has he eaten? When did he eat last? You know he gets so cranky if he doesn’t eat……PUT ON YOUR SHOES DHRUV! ”

Whining and shoe finding drama in the background. Probably hungry.

“Really, Dad, I mean why can’t he just eat and be in a good mood. He won’t eat, then he gets cranky and doesn’t want to eat, but all the time he’s hungry and I’m trying to force him to eat so he’ll be in a better mood. Kids are just so illogical!”

A sandwich has appeared on the kitchen counter. I wolf it down. It has been 6 hours since lunch.

“I mean, seriously is it so hard to know that when you’re hungry? I mean I try to teach him this all the time – if you’re hungry, eat, and don’t be a cranky pot whiny monster.”

More whining and shoe finding drama in the background. Finally got all his stuff found his shoes checked his bag everything’s there its been more than 10 minutes now recalibrating he will sleep only by 9 now ruining everything sigh better prepare for a cranky morning.

“OK, bye Dad. Got to go and stuff the monster, he’s hungry and will be super whiny all the way home. Thanks for the sandwich!”

Apparently kids never do learn how to eat when they’re hungry and not be cranky pot whiny monsters.

 

#100days200words: Day 3 - Why it’s important to mindfully address stereotypes

When I strolled out in blue Spiderman pyjamas, my young nephew was flummoxed.

That’s a boy’s pant! You can’t wear it!

But I like Spiderman.

If there was a Spidergirl, you can wear it. You’re a girl.

Hm.. is it ok if girls watch Spiderman on TV?

Yes. TV’s fine. But that’s a boy’s pant. Spiderman is a boy.

Hm. So what if I like you? Can I have a photo of you on my T shirt?

Yes.

So then, why not Spiderman on my pyjamas?

There’s girl’s clothes and boy’s clothes – Spiderman is for boys.

What about flowers? Is that a boy or a girl thing?

Girls.

Those shorts belong to your uncle. ( husband’s flowery Goa shorts)

Thoughtful.

Anyone can wear anything they like, sweetie. (Not convinced, but thinking about it)

I often wonder if I’m being radical by addressing a stereotype whenever I come across it. Thinking about it though, the societal order is so strong, it’s a given that gender-based role enforcement will happen. In this case, there’s no bias in his home, but obviously there are many possible influences in a child’s life. My conclusion is that it’s important to address a stereotype when you recognize it, because if an alternative is not presented, it can never exist. Choices are needed to make good decisions, such as buying the right phone. Choices must also be needed to decide what principles you want to buy into.  

Conversations with a three year old at bedtime

Don’t go down to feed the dog after I sleep. I’ll be all alone.

I’ll be right downstairs, and besides you won’t be alone. Jesus will be with you.

Where is He?

In your head, in your heart, and everywhere.

(Silence.)

Is Jesus in my neck?

(I’m sticking with it) He is everywhere.

(Chuckles, that grow into laughs.)

Jesus is in my gonne? (local lingo for snot)

(Trying not to laugh too much, but sticking with it)

Not in your gonne, but in your head and heart, and wherever you are.

(Delirious nonstoplaughter) Jesus is in the fan! Jesus is in my tummy! Jesus is in my head and heart, and in my neck and gonne!

I give up and join the laughter. I consider it a win. He has understood enough to see why it’s funny.