The confidence of my kid’s, “More honey, please!”
This #thankyouthursday, I am grateful for the confidence of my kid’s, “More honey, please!”
Yesterday I was sitting next to him while he ate breakfast, which included cut triangles of brioche bread he was dipping into a small dish of honey.
But there was more bread than honey, and when he noticed his dish was empty, he immediately called out, “More honey, please!”
It did not occur to him there might not be more honey. Nor was he shy about asking for someone to provide it for him.
And sure enough, less than a minute later, my partner appeared, honey bottle in hand.
Full disclosure: I was not committed to retrieving more honey. Had my spouse not been attentive, I might have said something like, “You’ve had enough” or “We can have more later.”
My kid might have protested or pouted had I denied him more honey, but he would have accepted my response. Because he understands the answers to his requests won’t always be yes—but he also knows his requests are welcome and encouraged.
Can you imagine, always knowing your requests are welcome and encouraged? That’s not something I innately feel. I’ve been working for years to believe my needs and desires are worthy, and I still often have to summon my courage before I ask for anything.
But I’ve been teaching my kid something different, and it seems to be working. Because when he wants or needs something—anything at all!—he asks without shame or hesitation.
And I am so grateful.
Love > fear,
Christina