LIFE
Understanding Big Boys
My little man is almost six years old and apparently that makes him a Big Boy. He is still my Baby Boy so I find myself in the awkward position, sometimes, of trying to make him do things that Baby Boys do. The problem is that his idea of what Big Boys can do and my ideas are sometimes in opposition. So everyday, I learn about Big Boys and try to act and make requests accordingly even though I suspect that these Big Boy privileges are being made up at the convenience of my little man. I am learning. So here are a few characteristics of Big Boys.
1. Big Boys don’t get cold. Sleeping under the covers has been our quarrel since the day he was born. When the nurses in the hospital swaddled him, he would kick until he had set himself free of the swaddle cloth. The quarrel goes on every night at bedtime because he refuses to sleep under the covers. No matter how many times I cover him in his sleep, I find him uncovered by morning. I have recently been informed by him that Big Boys don’t feel cold so I don’t need to make him sleep under the covers. His stuffy nose apparently has nothing to do with exposing himself to the cool breeze of the fan.
2. Big Boys don’t brush their teeth everyday. Even when they have had a serving of sweets at every hour of the day, Big Boy teeth are apparently strong and decay-proof. Brushing Big Boy teeth once or twice a week should suffice.
3. Can Big Boys clear the dishes? This one is a Big No. When it comes to clearing the dishes and helping to tidy up and put things away, Big Boys revert to happily being Baby Boys. They may even bring to the fore the negative consequences of the task assigned. You may hear something like, “Do you want me to break your plates?” Big Boy hands turn to butter when they come into contact with household chores. My Baby Boy used to be very willing to assist in the chores and I encouraged him, even if it meant that we would spend ten minutes completing a ten-second task. But now, every minute watching cartoons or playing on his iPad is a precious minute that cannot be sacrificed on the altar of chores.
4. Big Boys do not need their shoes when playing football outside. Big Boys do not fear stubbing their toes or getting a cut on the soles of their feet. Why should they? Many a Big Boy before them, who played football on the streets and in barren fields, have grown into Big Men wearing Big Shoes.
5. Big Boys still need cuddles. This is the only thing that I am certain of. When night falls and sleep calls, cuddles are required for the flight into dreamland. And sometimes in the daytime, a cuddle or more will be needed to smooth out the rough edges of the day.
My understanding is still at elementary level but my little man is a patient teacher of the very complex, tricky subject of Big Boys. Any grinds from persons who have successfully completed the course and received their Certificate of Understanding will be appreciated.
