The Right Way

Olivia is four and nine months this week. Closing in on five fast. Here are a few of her recent accomplishments: writing her name, casting a fishing pole, consistently putting her shoes on the right feet, dressing herself in the morning, helping with cleanup around the house, putting her face in the water (thanks to swim class), feeding Rosa the fish. 

The past few days she's shown an interest in skateboarding, so this morning I pull my old deck out of the garage and let her scoot around. I have to hold her hand, of course. Years ago I broke my arm riding this same board and I'm sure my anxiety transmits. She doesn't seem especially concerned. She just steps up there and glides along, pushing off now and then and hollering when the board shoots out from under her. To my surprise, she doesn't exhibit her usual frustration when she things don't go her way. She tries again, switching the position of her feet or just sits down on the deck to let gravity do the work. The whole process is relatively peaceful and tantrum-free. 

This is encouraging. These small successes build on each other, bolstering her self-esteem. I make sure tell her she is doing well. I also can't prevent myself from trying to get her to position her feet "correctly." I developed bad skating habits early on, pushing mongo, and never managed to retrain myself. I want badly for her to start off with good technique. She resists my input adamantly, telling me she wants to do it "her own way."

I have to restrain myself. She's four. She just wants to be on the skateboard. That, and a little sense of accomplishment, is all that really matters for now.