This week I discovered that Evelyn is old enough to make her own peanut butter sandwiches. And considering the fact that she insists on eating peanut butter sandwiches at least two times a day- it’s a significant development.
Lately Evy has started to sass me, and has been very stubborn- insisting on doing everything her own way, without any help. A friend of mine mentioned that at age 4, many children go through a mini-adolescence and that these behaviors are quite common.
Considering this, I sat down and wrote out a list of chores and responsibilities that Evelyn might be able to accomplish. I wanted her to feel a sense of control in our family- and to limit the power struggles, by rewarding her growing sense of independence instead of fighting it.
It’s been amazing to me that she really can do so many things… make her own bed, pick out her outfits in the morning, unload the silverware, put away her laundry, pick out her own art projects, and yes- make her own peanut butter sandwiches! It’s crazy to watch your child grow up. Though it scares me, I’m excited about all that she is able to do- and the young lady that she is becoming.
A few funny and adult-like statements that Evy has said this week:
“I’m really freaking out about this, Mom.”
“Dane is obsessed with the cat.”
“That is so disgusting.”
“Oh, you have got to be kidding me!”
“Let’s compromise, Mom. I’ll eat my treat first, and then my dinner.”
“For Goodness Sake, Mom!”
Like most children, she is great at mimicking the adults around her.
