I tried to take a step back today. Listen more and be a father less. Anastasia was on her ‘A’ game today. I love days like these. She is intuitive, responsive and very smart.
I decided to let her off restriction for a little bit and play an online game my entire family plays. Her cousins were on the game and she typically argues with them and they all get mad at each other when playing this game together. So I thought I would let Anastasia play the game with them.
She got on the game and immediately had issues over what she wanted to do. I sit right next to her on our humongous computer desk, so I could see all this unfold.
It was the first time Anastasia used her ’safe’ word. She looked at me and said, “Dada, I need you to be my friend and listen to what happened.” I was excited! I get to be on her level helping her instead of her Dad, and what I say goes.
She told me her dilema, we talked it out, I gave her some options I thought she could use and I needed to keep reminding her, it was her decision, she used the ‘word’ so I will not tell her what to do.
In the end we laughed had a good talk and the night went on pretty much uneventful.
I am thankful for all the great advice. I write so many times about not getting lost in your day and live in every moment. And it is STILL so easy to do that without even noticing.
