You know the scene: A child is grumbling and complaining about the hot meal that has been put before them with little or no work on their part. A parent in frustration says what they never thought they would say, "You know, there are starving children in China who would love to eat" The child thinks, but does not dare to say, "you could send it to them but I don't think they'd eat it either because it's gross!" It all comes down to thanklessness.
Lately that has become a problem in our house. Christin doesn't want to brush her teeth, or clean up her toys, or brush her hair. Now the teeth I'm pretty sure it's illegal to pull them out but if you hear otherwise please let me know. The toys, well they're next but we wanted to do something big and drastic to show Christin we meant business. Some sort of announcement that said, "Let it be known from this point forward thanklessness will no longer be tolerated in the DeVol home." So we cut off all her hair. Crazy I know, the first lady that I told the story to at hair cuttery just looked at me with her own, ironically, unkept hair. However, we were blessed to have a hair dresser who also had a four year old and chimed right in with, "you know, if I cut it here (gesturing to a spot much higher on her neck then I had intended) we can donate it to Locks of Love." I thought for a second and then realized that was it. That was saying, "If you don't take care of your things (read hair, toys, teeth?) we will give it to someone who will appreciate it."
Now for those you that think I am a terrible, horrible, no good mother who's child will hate her for the rest of her life, you might be right, but trust me as much as Christin loved her long hair, cutting it did not destroy her self confidence. I still caught her looking in the mirror this morning and stating matter-o- factly, "I look beautiful today." So if all it takes to have a child that is both confidant thankful for the things she has is a few drastic moves lets pack up the toys and food and send them to China and while were at it we can pull a few teeth!
6 comments:
Wow! I didn't know she was donating her hair to Locks of Love. I will be sure this week to show her the picture I have of Paige.
Excellent idea that most parents would be too chicken to do!It's not like you tarred and feathered the child in the town square, or locked her in a dark closet with only bread and water. You cut her hair, donated a wonderful gift to Locks of Love, and (hopefully) taught Christin that,as her parents,you mean what you say! I think your children are very lucky to have you for their parent! Love always, Aunt Linda :-)
P.S. I have pictures of Laura with her hair like that at 9 years old that Christin looks EXACTLY like!
Judging by the second photo, I'd say Christin's sense of self-worth is not irreparably damaged. And I definitely think the Locks of Love thing was a great move. Having chopped off is one thing, chopping it all off and giving it to someone else really drives the point home. How was she in the salon? Did she cry?
haha! Wow! That's awesome. If it was any other child than Christin, I would be worried, but she can definitely handle, and probably needs, something that drastic! She looks SO different with short hair though! I miss you all!
~Rebecca~
cute long or short. Did work at all.
I've just seen this.... horrible. This is worst than the education in north korea and china.
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