We have a family trip coming up that includes a night at an indoor waterpark. Jack’s really looking forward to it– and we’re looking forward to making Jack happy. In the time honored tradition of parents-of-small-children we’ve used the waterpark as an incentive for him to “be good.”
We’re reaping the benefits.
The little Rabbit has been especially sweet and thoughtful this week. At school he’s curbed his tendency of blurting out which has been a particular challenge for him. His weekly “Project Report” (progress report) was full of Os and Ss (Outstandings and Satisfactories) with nary a N in the mix (Needs to practice). He beamed at our delight.
Also in the backpack this week was a “story” that he wrote all by himself. There’s a picture of, in Jack’s words, “a hotdog snowman and me and my Daddy– see? that’s you, Daddy!” Underneath it, in his smudgey, labored lettering a simple sentence:
I bld a snowman with my dad.
It made me want to cry– he’s writing! Jack was very pleased to show Robby… who nearly cried himself.
The allure of the waterpark has also encouraged extra hugs, unsolicited kisses, and sweet-everythings from Jack. This week there have been more “thank you, Mommy!”s and “please, Daddy?”s… All chores have been completed with no fuss or ado. He’s readily tried new foods. He’s gone to bed easily.
This was the week that he fretted about getting married someday, “Mommy– I want to marry you.” (Whoa there, Oedipus!)
Me: Jacky, I’m already married. I’m married to Daddy.
Jack: Then I will marry somebody like you.
Robby: That’s a good idea… [under his breath he added, "You might not want to tell her that..."]
Jack: I don’t want to grow up. I want you to be my Mommy.
Robby: Jack! Mommy will always be your Mommy.
Me: Yes, Jack. I will always be your Mommy. Even when you are a great, big boy. Even when you are married.
Jack: Thank you, Mommy. (sigh) I love you Mommy.
Huh. All this for one night at a waterpark… makes you wonder what a trip to Disney might bring out?