To Snap or To Scold

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photoFinally!  A nice, sunny day!  My boys can now get out of the house and play!

Five minutes later, as I walk out into the backyard I find this… a naked three-year-old, scooping water out of the sandbox.

My first instinct was to yell, “Boy, get out of there! That’s disgusting and you can’t be butt naked in the backyard!”  And then I thought…my son is naked in the backyard.  “What are you doing, buddy?” I ask.  “I’m taking a bath!”

“Of course you are!” I think. Thirty seconds later, I came back out with my camera and started snapping away!

Now, running around outside naked is obviously against the rules, but I’m learning in this parenting thing, that sometimes I have to release the stigma of “perfect” and let life happen.

Like when big brother shoves the Tinker Toys container on his little brother’s head, and it gets stuck there.

Or when they use an empty milk carton, fill it up with water, and dump it on each other.

Or when they find the spice rack, and experiment.

Sometimes, you just need to appreciate the moment, and take a picture.

I heard this commentary on the radio the other day, where a dad was expressing his complaints to his wife about how their kids are constantly wrecking their yard.  Her response was, “We are growing kids, not grass!”

How true, and how great to reflect on as a parent.

Yes my children need limits.  Yes they need rules.  But no, they aren’t perfect- they’re growing up.  And that’s supposed to be fun!  So snap away!

I just pray, for your sake, you have a fenced-in backyard!


erica douglas1Meet Guest Blogger: Erica Douglas

Formerly a fourth grade teacher, Erica is now a stay-at-home mom to three, TJ (5), Marcus (3), and Brooklynn (3 months). Along with mommy-hood, she also coaches the Waukee High School girls track team. Erica enjoys playing and watching sports with her husband, being outside, and writing.  She is the author of the blog preachteach.com where she reflects on everything from education, to parenting, to faith.

7 COMMENTS

  1. I love it! Boys need a way to get out their energy. They learn by exploring and figuring things using their hands their imagination. I think we are doing a disservice to little boys by not letting them have space (a safe space with limits if needed) to just be a boy.

  2. “And then I thought… my son is naked in the backyard..” Hahahaha! As the mother to a 14 month old boy, I can’t even imagine what my future holds! THANK you for this reminder that it is life happening! I love that sweet reminder- They are not perfect. They are growing up.

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