I am sitting down to a moment of peace and quiet. In front of me is a yellow package of my favorite cookies that my husband ordered online just for me, Lemonade Cookies. They don't sell these cookies in our region, so when they arrived in the mail as a pleasant surprise I decided to hide them in a special place for such a time when I could enjoy them alone. It was my plan to partake of these delicious lemony treats when I could eat them without worrying about sharing, more specifically with my sweet-faced babies. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind sharing. However, out of all of the things that I do share with my wee ones, I really wanted this to be a mommy-only treat. After all, I share everything else with my babies. . . . . . . . Finally, I had my moment. My sweet babies were distracted and I decided to take my chance and have a favorite snack all to myself. I carefully opened the yellow wrapper and pulled out the sleeve of shortbread cookies with the lemon frosting on the back. My mouth was watering and I was excited that it was finally my time. As I take out my first cookie to enjoy, I hear the most interesting sound. "Mommy, peeaassee (please)..... Cookie, peeaassee...... Mommy, peeaassee." Oh no, it's my toddler begging for one of my cookies. How did she know I was here and how did she know about the cookies?
Such as it is, I shared some of my cookies with her and my other crumb snatcher when she came with her hand reaching out. As a mom, it is a joy to be able to give what I have just to see a sweet smile on their faces. But sometimes, I can't help but to think of how much is enough? Am I not entitled to a moment to enjoy a sweet treat? Is it too much to ask for a moment in the shower without having the curtain pulled back by a toddler trying to join in on the water fun? Dare I ask for my own shoes back that one of my babies has taken and decided to walk in for the fun of it? And as grateful as I am to have been able to breastfeed for so long, sometimes I just don't want to share the "milkies". Although it is pleasure in giving to our children, it is also important for them to see that they are not entitled to everything. But where is the balance? Honestly, I can't expect for my toddlers not to act entitled at this stage of life, but I do love the fact that they are learning to give also. We are teaching them the art of sharing with each other. My oldest one loves to nurture and give to her sister. Then she fights her to get it back.
