A Bit of Jealousy
Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Our friend from New Orleans visited us this weekend and he brought his two-year-old daughter, Olivia. We are long time friends and he was in town on business so we invited them to stay with us. It was great to visit and catch up with them.
I have two sons and five nephews so I rarely get to interact with little girls. I am always surrounded by boys’ toys and aggressive play. I was one of three girls as a child, so it has been a long time since I got to play with pink toys and dolls. I love my sons dearly, but it was refreshing to play with a little girl.
Jack and Tate were not happy with the amount of attention Olivia got from their mommy. We tried to all play together, but it wasn’t the same wrestling, sports and Lego-mania they were used to. I tried to explain to them Olivia wasn’t as physical and was more interested in brushing her doll’s hair instead. Of course, the boys wanted nothing to do with a doll.
I know it is selfish of me to play ponies and princesses with our young female guest, but we BOTH enjoyed it and the boys learned that not all play involves light-sabers and mayhem. Eventually, Jack and Tate dealt with their jealousy and welcomed Olivia into their lives.
By the end of the visit, Jack and Tate were protecting Olivia from imaginary monsters and finding new games she liked, too. It is nice to know that my boys can tolerate a female guest and I really enjoyed reliving a little of my childhood. It turned out to be a great weekend for everybody.
