Kiss My Knits!

This morning, Em asked me if she had to wear leggings. She favors short skirts for school, and when it’s cold out, I want her to have something on her legs. We checked the weather forecast. 47 right now, warming up to the high 60s in the afternoon. I said that while it was going to warm up later, it was cold this morning, so yes, she needed leggings. I could see that she was bummed but would comply, being a sweet child.

A few minutes later I found her standing in her room wearing her leggings, but no skirt yet. She looked up at me.

Em: Sometimes some other kids don’t wear something on their legs.
Me: Aaaah, I see, so some of the other kids don’t so you don’t want to either?
Em: Yes.
Me: Hm. Well, as long as you understand that you may be cold at playtime, then I think you can do without leggings today.

I didn’t even have time to finish before she shucked them off. We were ready to go within five minutes. Kids are not big on considering consequences.

This marks the first time I’ve gotten the “but everybody else is doing it!” argument and I could not be more thrilled. For most parents, this would seem like no big deal, but it took tremendous effort it took for her to express a thought of that complexity. Those thoughts are rolling around in there, mind you, but it’s easy for us to forget that when she’s not able to share them.

So yes, I am happy to roll over and acquiesce once in a while as a reward for her effort. Besides – she’s still got a sweater and a jacket. I’m only a little crazy.