Superpowers

            

          We were at the playground a couple weeks ago when I heard my 2-year old whining. Now, I consider it a gift being able to tune out the incessant nasal-whimper that inevitably comes with turning 2, but when we’re out in public I generally try to look like a concerned, doting mother. So I glanced up to find out what was ailing Michael. My blood immediately started to boil when I saw some punk kid push him down the slide. While I try not to make a habit of yelling at other people’s kids, I was willing to make an exception that day. I didn’t make it two steps, however, before Charlotte was giving that kid the biggest tongue-lashing a 4-year old could muster. No one hurts her little brother!! (Except her). I stood nearby but didn’t intervene. I was so proud in that moment. I’m only sorry I didn’t have a bowl of popcorn so I could enjoy the show. She finished her tirade and I was about to sit back down when I see her cock her arm back, fist clenched. I don’t know why my first thought was She wouldn’t dare, because she is her mother’s daughter, and I wouldn’t expect anything less.

            Before I could get there, however, her tiny little fist of fury flew into that unsuspecting kid’s eye. Of course I made her apologize to the little boy, but I was just so proud of her for protecting her little brother. We did sit down and have a little chat immediately following the incident, and when I asked her why she hit him, she said, “I was just using my superpowers!” I couldn’t help but smile. The mind of a 4-year old is a funny thing. In the end we came up with a new plan should this situation present itself again—maybe use a different superpower? I was really thinking: How do you say, “You shouldn’t hit people, but way to go, girl!” to a 4 year old? What a conflicting message. I guess I’m just going to apologize in advance to any kids Charlotte may harm in the future, because if I have to choose which is more important: standing up for family or playing nice with other kids, family will win every time. I assume this is just the first of many tough conversations to come...