Random musings

The other day, I heard my boy, Daniel tell his sister, " Oh, Naomi, you can tell grandpa the truth. He does not get angry, like parents do ".  One of my biggest fears is people closest to me lying about things. And, it was sort of unnerving to hear that my six year old didn't feel comfortable telling the truth because he didn't like the consequences.  It seemed like it was time to do things differently. So, I tried not to over-react at what they told me, and keep a calm disposition. I also told Daniel that he could tell me anything and I would try my best, not to get mad. So, the kids took it to the next level. I heard statements like -   " Mommy, we painted our faces with permanent marker, but we are telling you the truth. I hope you are not angry ". " We painted the wall. It looks really nice ."  " We just tore up the homework folder ."  " We gave Henry crayons to eat." " I just flooded the ba

Speaking of bad habits, I've had one since as long as I can remember. I bite my nails.  I bite them for no obvious reasons - when I'm bored, happy, anxious, stressed, nervous, thinking... I tell myself that because I'm somewhat OCD about washing my hands, it shouldn't matter as much. So, I just do it, because I CAN'T seem to stop.  Though, over the years - I have tried many things to make it stop. I've gone for manicures, hoping that looking at pretty nail-paint would do the trick. I've been told that it is ridiculous to watch a grown up person bite their nails. And, it is true. I do look very stupid doing it. I've tried wearing gloves. I've tried solid resolve. And, none of that worked. Till, until ... I saw my little munchkins copy my monkey act. It started with my son, who started biting his nails after watching me. After a whole lot of begging, pleading, threatening and what not, my little boy with stellar discipline stopped doing i