Some people just have it. A gift. A way of getting on a child’s level, and interacting with them, that pretty much leads the child to believe you are a God.
I am not that person. I am a mediocre mum.
My two cousins are a perfect example of this. Both girls, both in their 20’s. As soon as my 4 year old saw the youngest of the two cousins, it was like she could sense the fun in her. Immediately they clicked and started playing. And they played together for HOURS.
The older of the two cousins looked at me and was like “I’m just not like that”. My response was “me neither”.
Some people just have this way with kids. They may not even be a parent, but they have it. Kids seem to gravitate towards them. And the person doesn’t mind it – they actually LOVE interacting and playing with kids. It brings them joy.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids and I love playing with them. But I am USELESS at it.
Which is why I started doing activities like Coloured Rice, Play Dough and Cheerio Stackers – because basically I sucked at the fun aspect and needed something to help me out.
When my kids want to play pretend, I’m so useless at it, it’s not funny. I get 2 minutes into it, and I’m bored. I just can’t do it. I’m just not one of those people.
Which is probably why I found parenting so hard at the beginning – because I was the be-all-and-end-all to the child and I sucked at it.
I so desperately wish I am able to connect with kids like my cousin and so many others do. But I can’t. It’s just not who I am.
So instead I focus on activities, and trying to make their food look good … to make up for the fact that I am a mediocre mum.
Anyone else like this? Anyone have that something special that kids love? LET ME KNOW!
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