I never thought I would have to have the “talk” with M’khai at such an early age. I mean he’s only six…that’s still fairly young for me to sit him down and tell him the truth. The whole truth and nothing but the truth. It happened out of nowhere really. Just a simple question was the catalyst. I merely asked Jodi if the kids should stay up late on Friday night. She replied: “yeah they can because I kind of feel sorry for M’khai, he told me today none of the kids in his class play with him.” First of all, that’s not a reason to stay up late, secondly, I never thought he needed “the talk”. M’khai at home is carefree and extremely independent so it shocked me that he would even care that someone in class is not playing with him. Then it clicked. Dude is in 1st grade, of course he cares. So I called him in my office for “the talk.” Here we go:
Me: M’khai what’s going on in school?
M’khai: (face really pouty thinking this tactic will get him to stay up later)” T(in case his mother is reading) doesn’t play with me in school”
Me: Just “T” or all the kids don’t play with you?
M’khai: Just “T”
Me: (looking kind of pissed off in the face) “Are you kidding me? Listen up.” And you folks listen up to so you know how to give “the talk” when needed. “M’khai, look at me and fix your face. Look at me, I am the shit. Which makes you the shit because we are related. If ‘T” does not play with you, then he isn’t shit. You need to worry about when I stop playing with you.” Bottomline.
There you have it. “the talk” You can change it up if you think my language is too harsh. But for the most part, you need to tell your kids they are what’s happening. I am not trying to make him conceited but if I teach him self-worth now, my baby will not be torn down later on in life. I am living proof.
Are you the shit?
Bear Shit
Photo Credit: DigiLloyd
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes, M’khai, if you don’t know it, no-one else will! I’m all about the straight-no-chaser approach, yes, Ma’am! I had to have a similar talk with my 5 yr old when she told me that she didn’t tell her best friend that she didn’t like doing a particular thing b/c she didn’t want her to “stop being her friend”! I have her the “I’m the shit, er go, you’re the shit plus tax” talk too “in not so many words”. LOL! Great post!
Execumama´s last blog …..and the WINNER…
That’s right! Great self-esteem definitely starts at home! Good job, mom!
You’re the shit plus tax, hahaaaaa! Straight to the point, no sugar coating!
Sheena´s last blog ..Parenting With No Blueprint & The New Digs
Love it! I so agree with you, I’ve always thought this, and worried about this! How do we instill that self-confidence in our kids, so that when they’re going through those difficult times, they make the right choices, because they have self-respect. I pray I instill that in my children!
Great post!
Christine
Christine´s last blog ..I’ve been MIA
LOL We have similar parenting styles and this sounds almost EXACTLY like the talk I had with my son when he told me no one would play with him at school. I tell my kids to have confidence and don’t give a damn what other people think about you. If they don’t like you, tough cookie. It’s their loss and they don’t know what they’re missing out on.
Love this post.
Take care,
Shynea
Shynea @ Penny Pinching Diva´s last blog ..GUESS HOW MUCH I SPENT
These kids need a real talk right! I don’t do the sugar coating thing. I am glad you can relate and knowing I am not alone in these “talks” feels good. I could give you a virtual high five!