As Jacob has grown, we've realized that he is very particular about certain things. His cars have to be lined up "just so," and if one gets bumped while another is being parked, it can become a disaster. You do not want to be the person who messed it up, or you risk a look that lets you know you just ruined a 3-year-old's life. Mariella gets this look many times each day, but it doesn't seem to bother her.
Anyway, Jacob has started to become interested in learning how to write his name. He can spell it, and he can type it. Writing is, of course, a much bigger task. The other day, he wanted to write his name on his Magnadoodle. I suggested we start with learning how to write a "J." He watched me write it, and then he held the pen while I guided him. After a few tries, I wasn't really even touching his hand anymore so I moved away. He wrote a crooked, yet very recognizable "J." My reaction? Excitement and praise. His reaction? "It's not perfect." And a pout with crossed arms.
Oh, Jacob. I'm really sorry that you've been blessed/cursed with Mommy's need for perfection.* I suppose we should have seen this coming when you insisted on cleaning up every single little food or drink spill when you were 18 months old. In time you will learn how to use this quality for mostly good things.
*I should add that since having kids, my perfectionist ways have greatly diminished. There was no other choice if I wanted to keep my sanity.
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This sounds like Bailey when he started learning to write his name. He also loves to draw and this would also cause a lot of frustration and anger. It took a lot of time and "talking through" why we cannot be perfect, only God can, to get him to the point his is at now (in second grade). Also, we talk a lot about how we need to keep practicing something over and over to gain skill and get better at it. Now, he is still a very detailed child and takes his time on things but it's not like it used to be when he'd get almost to the end of his name and then rip the paper up and start over because it wasn't perfect. HE still doesn't like making mistakes, but he's accepted more of it that it's part of being human. And being detailed-oriented is a blessing, there are not many people with this gift. Start coaching Jacob now. :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea
You are right. Like Mommy, like son. He will come around. We know he is a very smart little boy. It just takes lots patience and encouragement. This is experience talking....
ReplyDeleteLove,
Grandma B.