How sweet has today been? Look no further than Dalia’s face! She’s so excited seeing what’s in one of her Christmas Gift boxes we had bought for her. She’s such a sweet girl… not ours directly, but we love her just the same. It’s always great when we get to see her (and her Mommy of course!) as she brings a joy that only a child can bring — with wide eyes and a bright smile!
We’ve made it a tradition the last three years to go to a local pizza place, get the party special and let Dalia have her fun. She does amazingly well with temptation not far away! Getting her to eat can be fun, as she looks from her plate to the presents, back and forth as she must make a decision. It’s funny how we will do the same things at times, it might not be presents or food necessarily, but choices that we do make.
For instance, “Will I work over to earn a little extra money?” or how about, “Will I stay up late and finish some task or scramble in the morning to get it done?” Choices. We all have them to make and how we deal with the consequences can affect the rest of our lives at times. Dalia had it easy. Jacque made her a deal (her words), “For every two bites of pizza, you can open one gift.”
You see, we had a choice to make. Let Dalia, and her four and a half year old mind take over the situation, or let one of us do it. Jacque was raised by parents who always gave her choices; such as: “If you want this, then this” or, “You can have this or that.” By using this strategy, it eliminates the child from coming up with their own solution which may not work and it also allows an end to what could be a difficult situation. Believe it or not, Dalia was thrilled with the bargain she was given and ate what was necessary to tear into her gifts — and a good time was had by all.
I hope as these days continue rolling forward into weeks, months, and years… and inevitably I am faced with choices that I look at it not as what I am choosing now, but also what consequences may occur due to my choices. Hopefully, it will be just as easy as Dalia had it today!
