A PROUD MOMENT IN PARENTING

Cookie has always had a very unique perspective on fairness. She was very keen on the idea that if you did something wrong you needed to receive your punishment and just take it. She had been this way her whole life (which I can now blame on Nanna; for pushing Cookie from the second story to the first story of our apartment. But that's a different story!)

When Cookie was in grade school, she was asked to be a monitor during recess. The idea was that peers would be able to de-escalate any arguments or bullying that might take place on the playground. Cookie took her role very seriously and got to wear a special t-shirt to identify that she was one of the monitors. If any of the children had concerns, they could approach Cookie and she would help.

To a sibling, you are just a sister. It doesn't matter what t-shirt you wear. Until you are bullied by someone older and bigger than you. Ladybug was the unfortunate 'little person' that an older child had decided to pick on. Apparently, this had been going on for quite some time and Cookie had become very upset at this young boy.

One afternoon, the girls came home from school telling quite a wild story about how Cookie had kicked a boy. Of course I don't want to hear about MY child behaving in such a manner and was concerned. But the story got better!! She didn't just kick him, she kicked him in "the nuts," "the balls," "between the knockers", whatever! Oh my gosh!!!

It wasn't until after I began to lecture the girls about being kind to others that I got the full picture....Cookie was tired of having to convince this boy to leave little Ladybug alone day after day. On that particular day, Cookie was at the end of her patience and kicked him. But it was all in defense of her little sister!! How could I lecture them on that? I had raised my girls with the knowledge that you should not hurt your sister's feelings just because a friend wants you to. And you definitely should never continue to play a game if other children said your sister couldn't play. Definitely, you should stand up to someone who is being mean to your sister!!

My lecture now turned into "Way to go, Cookie!!!" (did you kick him hard enough?)