life with a kindergartener: lessons on tough love

Us talking a couple of weeks back while you’re in the toilet….

I was complimenting you about a good deed you had and how I appreciate that you have a kind heart. I then pointed out that your deed (it was related to an animal but I totally forgot what it was, sorry baby!) was similar to how little Moana protected the turtle.

Yui: I’ll be more gentle than Moana. I will carry the turtle in my arms and bring it to the water’s edge so that the bird definitely can’t eat it (this you said in mix Japanese and English).

Me: that would be gentle indeed, yes. But I’m not sure if that will be good for the turtle. You see, I think the baby turtle needs that long walk in the sand so he could get some exercise and strengthen its….flippers?? Or it’s feet. If you carry them, then their growth might be stunted.

Yui: *pensive expression on* I see….okay, I’ll just protect the baby turtle from the birds while it slowly walks towards the water. I will not allow them to eat the turtles. I will kick them! I’m brave!

Me: yes I know you’re brave and I’m glad you are. But かわいそ (poor) birds yo. They just want to eat. They may be hungry. Like us, right? When we’re hungry, we eat.

Yui: *still pensive* I see….okay, I’ll just firmly shoo them away!

You then gave me a brilliant smile. It extended all the way to my heart.

Grow up well, baby.