My boys were themselves and however normal it may be in the House of Q, it was quite apparent that we freak out the rest of the families our age.
Kai was:
Way too loud, wanted to touch that “soft spot” on the baby’s head and had difficult sharing
Connor demonstrated:
his excellent aim with kicking and catching skills which came dangerously close to the baby’s head, causing heart palpitations in all adults (on more than 5 occasions); and showcased his mealtime screaming causing disruption to adult conversation incessantly.
I had to act proactively (which I rarely do in our house) by being hands-on, being one step ahead of Connor and anticipating his next move with that damn ball, lego and wood piece. I treaded lightly, encouraged his “gentle hands” for the millionth time and attempted a late day nap to ease the anxiety in the House of Q.
Dream: “It would be great to visit with friends during the dinner hour”
Reality: Having guests for dinner in the House of Q is hard!
I also realized that others may not embrace the Q boy’s germy little petri dish selves like we do.
Be wary and very cautious… germ transmission may occur… toys, snacks and runny noses abound with potential germs… We are to be feared! I sure hope no one gets sick following our dinner.
I reflected: however annoying some of these behaviours can be … these Q boys are mine all mine! And they’re kids, germs is what they do. So while we all know how difficult parenting is… I’ve decided to learn from these little boys and to choose my battles.
After our dinner experience, I can say I am proud to embrace the Q boys and all their germs, ball skills, volume, and emerging “sharing” skills. I know through my work, intuition and knowledge that if I govern their every minute, they may never learn to internally regulate, resolve natural consequences and be around other kids and adults.
So little Q boys – a little advice: Keep playing hard, being curious little explorers and share those germs even if it disrupts my dinner with guests!!