This morning Georgia wrote a letter to Song Song. The letter reads,
"It's a letter for Song Song! She's cute! From Sissy. P.S. Cute."
As we wrestled on the couch this morning after she wrote the letter, she looked up at me with serious eyes:
Mom, what if people aren't nice to me anymore?
Me: Hmmmm. You mean after we bring Song Song home?
Georgia: Yes. What if they're nicer to her than to me and they don't pay attention to me when Song Song gets here?
Me: Well, that would not be fun, would it? Are you worried that people will pay more attention to Song Song than to you?
Georgia: Yes.
Me: I wouldn't like that either. But it might happen at least at first, because she will be new and people will be so excited to see her. I tell you what. When Song Song gets here and you feel like people are paying more attention to her than to you, will you promise to come to me and say, "Mom, I've got a secret." Then tell me what you're feeling and we'll talk about it.
Georgia: O.K. But what will you do?
Me: Well, I won't be able to stop people from paying attention to Song Song, and I don't want to stop them. After all, Song Song will be a new member of our family and people will want to welcome her. But I will promise to listen to how you're feeling and together we can try to come up with a solution. O.K.?
Georgia: O.K. Sounds good.
Me: Guess what? When I was your age, your Aunt Karla was so cute and had such a funny laugh that my cousins would play with her more than me and it made me feel bad. So I think I know how you might feel.
Georgia: What did you do?
Me: Nothing. I just stayed mad. But it would have helped if I would have talked to someone about it. That's why I hope you talk to me. O.K?
Georgia: O.K. I will. But I'm excited for Song Song to get here and It's o.k. if people pay more attention to her for awhile.
Me: You're a good sister, Georgia. I love you.
Georgia: I love you too, Mom.
11 comments:
What a good kid.
She is, Jacob.
You're both the best :)
*sniff*
So cute. I was chuckling while I read that. I was 6 when my sister was born and I was very jealous. I wish my mom would've told me to talk about my feelings.
What a cooooool talk! I wasn't 'allowed' to have rotten reactions. (which, actually, ended up being okay, because we had a whole other dialogue going on about Alternative Ways of Thinking About a Thing) - but what a wonderful platform you've provided for your daughters! Cool cool and more cool.
Damn you Leezer, you trying to make me cry in my vulnerable state? I love this little tale of Georgia's. How cool is this.
Thanks Mae. :)
Naynay:
I think there's a fine line between talking about feelings and indulging them, and I'm not sure I know the exact spot where one crosses into the other. I guess it's just a process of feeling your way through it as a parent.
Booda Baby:
I love Alternative Ways of Thinking About a Thing. What a concept! I'll have to try that, too.
Egan: What gives? It's your wife who is pregnant! Do you do the tearing-up for the both of you? Sorry about that!
Awwww...made my heart melt a little.
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