I got a great reminder from Bug (age 5) today. Yesterday we had drive thru for dinner and he got lemonade. This morning he said he wanted more, and I reminded him he didn't have any money left and didn't get paid again until Sunday. He asked why I bought him lemonade yesterday but wouldn't today, so I told him because it was my responsibility to provide him his meals, but I would be providing him meals at home today. He then asked how much a lemonade cost. I off-hand said $2.00 without giving it any real consideration.
The day went on with no more mention of it until this evening when he got out his bunny bank and counted $2.00 in coins to use for buying himself a lemonade.
The thing that resonated with me was that he'd really been thinking about something I told him off-hand. It reminded me to always be honest and answer questions carefully and sincerely. It reminded me how important it is to be as precise as I can with my language, to be careful using metaphors and be sure to explain them. I was reminded how powerful my words can be to them as they work to put everything around them together and navigate the world. I never know which words will be the ones they mull around and pick apart and make into their inner voices.
I would have felt terrible if we'd gotten to the restaurant and he hadn't brought enough to buy himself a drink. Thankfully it was $1.89. I know it might seem a trivial thing, but I think trust is a delicate thing and I can see how not taking his question seriously could have been a chip away at that relationship.
