Permissive mothering

Me, to the kids, after breaking up a spate of physical altercations over the previous few days: "So today, I don't want to see you guys touching each other."

Saskia: "What do you mean?"

Me: "No hitting. No pushing. No pulling hair."

Saskia: "But - "

Me: "No yanking clothes. No whacking each other with toys."

Saskia, concerned: "But - "

Me: "No touching each other in any form!"

Saskia, perplexed: "But what about hugging? How can we hug without touching each other?"

Me, faltering: "Uh - yes, hugging is okay. I will permit that."

Saskia, relieved, "Leif! Did you hear that? We're still allowed to hug!"

Comments

[slydi]

awwwwwwwwwwwww! that is so sweet! the picture only adds to it. glad you posted. i'll be satiated for a while now. until tomorrow morning that is. : )

[Rosa P]

Ah, the sweet moments! That is a great memory and an absolutely beautiful photo.

[JeanMac]

Too funny, kids get you every time on a "technicality".I remember our older son saying, "Mom, make him stop looking at me!" Of course, younger son was angelically sitting there looking anywhere but at older son - ages about 11 and 13 at the time.

[Celeste]

So, how does it feel to raise such smart children?

[Lib]

Sounds like life around here right now!
Anyway, a big thank you for the early birthday gift! We love it and you had me totally surprised!

[Amy Hoogstad]

Man, you were SO close to getting a good shot of all three together. I want to reach in there and say "Leif! Look up!!" :) Arianna is such a doll:)

And I'm glad to hear that you permit hugging. I'm sure you are aware how important it is for your children's emotional development. :)

[Mary Smith]

And then sometimes those hugs turn to tugs...

[Angela]

Oh wow your kiddly winks all look sooo big in that picture! Yup definitely time for another=0)