I Have Three Crushes

No, I’m not talking about me. Although, David Tennant’s Scottish accent is pretty cute.  Ahem, but seriously, I’m recalling a conversation I had with my then seven-year-old daughter. I remember it clearly because it was a triumph moment for me as a mother.

Flossie: Mum, I have three crushes.

Now, just imagine me.  I’m driving the car. At these words, my immediate reaction was to — basically — FREAK OUT.  I could almost see the words fly out of my mouth. “WHAT! You’re way to young for that. That’s absolutely ridiculous! Who are they? Where are they? Why are they? How are they?” {breathe}

And I’m so very proud to say I literally grabbed the words as they came out of my mouth and swallowed them hard.  Instead I said — nonchalantly, like we were talking about the cows in the paddock. I tell you, it took a great deal of self-control.

Me: Yes darling? Is there something about these boys that are special.

Flossie: Yeah, they’re really nice and kind.

Me: They are lovely qualities in a person aren’t they?

Flossie: Yeah.

Me:You’re growing up Flossie. And it’s okay to notice boys and think they are nice.  When I was a girl, a boy and I where chosen go to the office to do a job for a teacher.  I thought this was pretty special. I love it how you’ve noticed one of the important qualities in a person: kindness.Thank you for telling me about it. {We talked a little more about the ins and outs of crushes.}

I was grateful she was willing to talk to me about it.  I could have easily followed through on my first instinct, and potentially closed off the communication channel between us.  As a parent, I’ve made many mistakes so, when I actually do it right, I triumph the moment; I celebrate it.

Have you had a parenting triumph moment?

Other Be A Fun Mum posts:

10 Mistakes

Three Gates: Words of Wisdom

Hands Behind Back