The Naughty Step

My eldest daughter Beth turned three in December. A couple of days ago we had a conversation that went like this:
Beth: Mummy, my baby's on the naughty step.
Me: Oh dear Bethy.
Beth: Yes mummy, cause she disobeyed me. She's been crying for 2 hours ever since she woke up.
Me: Oh no - maybe you should get her now.
Bet: Okay (Goes to discipline her baby in hushed tones).


I'm pretty sure I've never put Beth on the naughty step for more than 2 minutes but I suppose three year olds don't really get the concept of time!! The great thing about Beth is she loves to mother, she loves to mother her little sisters and she also loves to mother me. I suppose I am a 'wear your heart on your sleeve' kind of person but I also have a pretty perceptive daughter and as much as she can wind me up, she always knows when I've had enough and the challenges I'm facing are actually making me sad. And that is when she puts her hand on my face, strokes my hair and asks me, "Mummy, what's worrying you?" And I suppose that is when I remember that actually, its my chance to step up and get into mothering mode again. So I tell her, "Mummy's okay, she's just feeling a bit sad today but I love you very much Bethy." So she gives me a cuddle and goes on her merry way!! 


Sometimes its difficult to get the balance between being honest with your little ones about how you're feeling and remembering that its your job to protect them and make them feel secure. I never want my kids to worry, but I also believe we sometimes need to be real with them and teach them how we pray and ask God to help us in the rough times. And it's Beth's prayers that often fill me with the most faith and encourage me to keep mothering whole heartedly. The amazing thing is that she reminds me I was made to mother because it comes so naturally to her. And then the job seems a little easier!