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The light touch

Lucas never benefitted from the "light touch". We had (and still do have) a somewhat "heavy" touch with him, Liam on the other hand is a different story. He pretty much has only had a light touch. It is because of the light touch that I've let his bedtime routine slip from 20 minutes to 45. It is why my husband let Liam eat ice-cream out of the ice-cream container. It is why we find ourselves (mostly me) in a predicament now.

Last week I wanted to go to a free writing workshop (yes, pursuing my goals) at the local library and Papa would have to put him to bed. I thought he has so much fun with his Papa, it wouldn't be a problem. I am sure you know where this is going. Papa had to tear him from my arms when it was time for me to leave. And in the end I couldn't bear to leave him. He was even clinging with his toes!

The question is, how am I ever going to leave the house? Or drop him off at daycare come May? I have no idea. We have to get to training him. Make that me since Gunnar has already said "You have a problem." Indeed I do.

As I've grown as a parent, I've started introducing a light touch to Lucas. It is because of the light touch that I spent two hours of Liam's naptime, working with Lucas on his Science Fair project as he went back and forth on what he wanted to do. I was trying not to direct him, but make suggestions and have him decide what he wanted to do. Aarrghh!! I was screaming mentally as I watched my precious down-time slip away in a flood of indecision.

I've wondered if Lucas got the heavy touch simply because we were first time parents? (And if you've been reading my posts, you'll understand the kind of parents we are with Lucas.) Part of it is that I'm sure, but part is also the result of the kind of child Lucas was (and still is). It always seemed to me that he was the one who wanted a mile if you gave an inch

And Liam? He's happy with his inch.

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G said…
Awesome post... and soooo true!! :)
10 February 2009 at 13:18
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