Mad Luck

Hans is ridiculously messy at the kitchen table. Actually, we never had a kitchen table until recently. Prior to that, all meals were at the dining table. When we got the floor done a year and a few months ago, I couldn't imagine it getting destroyed by food droppings! So, I got a kitchen table. Now, all our meals are eaten in the kitchen. The dining table is reserved for guests and special occasions.

‎Today, as Hans dropped some chicken on the kitchen floor, I remarked in exasperation: "You are so lucky you don't get the mad Dad or the mad Mom!" Poor ASid! We were always mad at him when he dropped food on the floor or spilled some drink at a meal!

I still remember the look on little ASid's face as he waited for his Mom to do an emotional monologue about how she has to clean up after him every day! OR he waited for his Dad to lecture him about how he never had his own Mom clean up after him! ASid was lucky to have a Mom who does that for him and then Craigley would proceed to lecture me on how I must let ASid clean up his messes so he learns to not create those messes in the first place.

I think we went through that phase through JK; ASid's 4th year on this planet. Then, I stopped getting upset. I started looking at messes made by ASid as opportunities to clean up! Why get mad, get mopping!

Talking to Hans brought back those memories. So, I reiterated that he is lucky to not get those mad parents. Hans looked at me and remarked, "But I get the mad ASid!"

‎Hans has to have the final word.‎ However, he is right. ASid is like a "mini me" on occasion and sometimes, he is like a mini Craigley! Craigley, at times, wonders if he really sounds like that when ASid takes it upon himself to give a lecture to Hans.

So, the cycle of madness continues. There are times parents see a reflection of themselves in their children and their behaviour. What I see reflected in my children is not so bad. I have taken a step back and tried to be a better parent. I am hoping they do the same and are better than their parents!