My daughter is three-and-a-half and going to a certified home-based childcare provider with six other kids, twice a week. We’re early for a change, dropping her off at ’school’ today. Our early arrival afforded me one of those rare moments to pick the brain of a woman who is knowledgable and thoughtful about children. I respect her opinions and manners a lot and am so grateful she is in our lives.

So one of my daughter’s closer friends arrives and wants to strip down to his t-shirt immediately. Then I add, “She would strip down naked if given the chance.” Then I think to myself, ‘If left hanging, this could be awkward.’ Then my daughter’s caregiver says, “They have amazing metabolisms those little guys.” That made me think about how many times I’ve asked my daughter to dress and the amount of energy I’d expended on a wasted expectation. My daughter has a body that runs hotter than mine, and so is genuinely uncomfortable  in the layers I require. At night too, we fight her to keep more covers on. We’ve compromised at always having underwear on. Really.

Bottom Line

Once your child is no longer an infant, don’t stress too much about getting them to dress the way you want them too. You’ll end up frustrated and probably encouraging them to be goths in their teens.

Check This Out

A tip from said school teacher:  See Gabor Mate speak and workshop in Castlegar and Rossland, May 8 & 9, 2009. Contact Nella Mitchel for more details. We’ll review the seminars here if you are unable to make it.

Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 9:00 A.M.
	The Biology of Loss: What Happens When Early Attachments are Impaired.
Seminar, Kootenay Family Place
Rossland Prestige Inn, Rossland

Friday, May 8, 2009 at 7:00 P.M.
	Hold On To Your Kids: Parenting in a Peer-Driven Culture.
Public Talk
Selkirk College, Castlegar

Nicole LeBlanc Charlwood