A few days ago, Bryan and I got to talking about The Boy and how we wanted him to become more independent within the home. We figure that, at seven years old, he’s old enough to start helping himself when he needs something. It’s a fine line, however, between what he can do and what he should. Refill his apple juice? Can’t. Bottle’s bigger than he is. But cut up his own food? Maybe it’s time for him to start.
At dinner tonight, he ordered pancakes. Much to my surprise, Bryan said, “You should cut that up,” and then explained how he could use his knife and/or fork to cut up his food. The Boy sat for a few minutes, trying desperately to maneuver the fork and knife. He tried really, really hard. And for the most part, Bryan didn’t even laugh at him.
After eating only a few bites of his pancakes, he devoured his bacon and asked for a biscuit. I said he needed to focus on his dinner, not the bread on the table. He looked back at his plate and said, “Well, I’m actually pretty full.”
Well, genius, then you don’t need a biscuit. He sat back, perplexed that I was SO smart.
Finally, Bryan offered to cut up his pancakes for him. He had made a valiant effort, and we know now that he should continue to do so.. it’s within his realm of capabilities. Bryan praised him and said that he’d done well. The Boy just sat back and woefully said, “But it has defeated me.”
That’s one area we’re letting him grow up a bit. The rest of him, we’re more than content to keep at seven years of age.
