Just the way they interpret things in their own little innocent minds is a fool-proof way to bring a smile to one's face, in this case, it brought a bowlful of laughter to boot.
Recently, my youngest daughter has had a hard time dealing with a certain schoolmate's unkindness. Oh, the times I wish I had a magic wand and make it all better for her are too numerous to mention. Kids will be kids and unfortunately, we have to deal with the "bullies" in life. I often wish I could just become small like her and be her best friend on the playground and protect my little angel, I have to jerk myself back to reality and provide the best guidance I can for her.
One particular day, after I picked up two youngest kiddos from school, we were headed out of the parking lot when all of the sudden my daughter, Marissa, almost started crying telling me about her latest ordeal. Her brother and I listened patiently to her story. I calmly tell her that even though people can be mean and cruel at times, it's best to still try to be kind when you have to deal with them. She must avoid the other child as much as she can and to be the better person and treat others positively but to also not let people run all over her. Then I tell her, "you just have to kill her with kindness" Her brother pipes in with "Yeah, Rissa, kill her with kindness!!" along with his own list of suggestions.
Marissa sat back looking thoughtful when I quickly glanced back at her in my rear-view mirror as I drove on home. After what seemed like a very deep thoughtful process, she finally responds by asking, "You mean I hafta put niceness on a fork and stab her???"
Her brother and I just burst into laughter .... I forget how sometimes I've got to explain things without so much metaphorical lingo to such tender and innocent youth.
the bully situation was dealt with and Marissa has since learned to handle herself quite well. She was 6 at the time
..now 8.
