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At work, I need to upsell. This isn't objectionable to me, because everything we have to offer, I feel like really helps people, however, I struggle with it because of the stigma associated with that word.
I was talking to someone the other day and he asked, "are you upselling me right now?". My answer was simple, "yes, for your own good."
The same scenario applies in my home life as well. My son may not ask, "Mom, are you upselling me?" when I try to convince him that asparagus is the real treat, not the gummy bears he wants, or when I "trick" him into cleaning up his toys. But I've learned that upselling him on the things that are good for him is a lot of what parenting is about at this age.
Three year olds can not be reasoned with rationally. But, you can convince them that this shiny object is shinier than all the other shiny objects, even if it might require them to (insert household chore/task/favor here).
One day, he'll be using those tactics on me to convince me to let him stay out later, go to whatever concert, have whatever video game system etc. and I'll know he learned it from the best!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
The Road ... less traveled
Tonight, I watched "The Road", the movie adaptation of Cormack McCarthy's novel. I read the book a few years ago and found it intensely moving. The movie version was moving, and much more grotesque. I think that my mind wouldn't allow me to truly explore the brutal truth of what the book was about fully when I was reading it.
It (the movie) stirred in me some pretty primal feelings. I thought about my son, and how I would do literally anything to keep him safe. I would lay in traffic, shoot someone, give up all my earthly possesions, etc and so on. There is no limit to the lengths I would go to, you get the picture.
Then, I thought back to earlier today, when he was misbehaving and I had close to no patience to deal with his shenanigans. It's so easy in the day to day humdrum to forget how important being a parent really is.
From the moment I knew I was going to have a baby, the idea that I am responsible for his life and well being has been incessant in my mind. And yet, I succumb to the stress and fatigue of single parenthood from time to time.
It's nice to get some perspective. Ya know?
In other news, we didn't make the camping trip, as planned. I decided, somewhat last minute, that he wouldn't abide by sleeping in a tent, given his sleep issues in the best of circumstances. As much as it would have been fun for me in theory, the reality is that it would have been a challenge. Next year, when he's a little older, we'll definitely do it.
Not to make this post completely all over the map, it's important to note that my little man is 99% potty trained. It's one of those milestones that you *know* will happen eventually, but in the moment seems sooooooo out of reach. Once it happens, it's amazing how easily you fall into the reliability and predictability of it all. Tonight, for instance, he had gone to bed, then about an hour later, comes to the stairs asking me to "wipe my tush". Turns out he'd pooped and had tried to clean it up on his own (admirable, no doubt), and had made a much bigger mess (I'll spare you the details).
Needless to say, my movie and glass of wine got rudely interrupted.
Tomorrow, is another day... filled with berry picking, parks with fountains and canning. The weekend is a wonderland for us. I don't even mind so much that the laundry has to wait til Monday. :)
It (the movie) stirred in me some pretty primal feelings. I thought about my son, and how I would do literally anything to keep him safe. I would lay in traffic, shoot someone, give up all my earthly possesions, etc and so on. There is no limit to the lengths I would go to, you get the picture.
Then, I thought back to earlier today, when he was misbehaving and I had close to no patience to deal with his shenanigans. It's so easy in the day to day humdrum to forget how important being a parent really is.
From the moment I knew I was going to have a baby, the idea that I am responsible for his life and well being has been incessant in my mind. And yet, I succumb to the stress and fatigue of single parenthood from time to time.
It's nice to get some perspective. Ya know?
In other news, we didn't make the camping trip, as planned. I decided, somewhat last minute, that he wouldn't abide by sleeping in a tent, given his sleep issues in the best of circumstances. As much as it would have been fun for me in theory, the reality is that it would have been a challenge. Next year, when he's a little older, we'll definitely do it.
Not to make this post completely all over the map, it's important to note that my little man is 99% potty trained. It's one of those milestones that you *know* will happen eventually, but in the moment seems sooooooo out of reach. Once it happens, it's amazing how easily you fall into the reliability and predictability of it all. Tonight, for instance, he had gone to bed, then about an hour later, comes to the stairs asking me to "wipe my tush". Turns out he'd pooped and had tried to clean it up on his own (admirable, no doubt), and had made a much bigger mess (I'll spare you the details).
Needless to say, my movie and glass of wine got rudely interrupted.
Tomorrow, is another day... filled with berry picking, parks with fountains and canning. The weekend is a wonderland for us. I don't even mind so much that the laundry has to wait til Monday. :)
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