A Healthy Self-Esteem

Over the past few days, I have been amazed and somewhat scared by my child’s self-assuredness.  Perhaps more frightened than anything else.

I first noticed this um, phase (please tell me that it is), about a week ago when he would ask me a question and then, when I would respond, he would correct me.

For example…

Cooper:  Mommy….what kind of car is that?

Me:  Oh, that’s an Infinity.

Cooper:  No it’s not.  It’s a Mercedes.

Me:  Nope.  That’s an Infinity, sweetie.  Do you think it looks like a Mercedes?

Cooper:  No it’s not, Mommy!  It’s not an Infinity!  It’s a Mercedes.  Now don’t give me any more lip.

I swear to you…that conversation happened.  Unfortunately.

He also arrives at school every day like he is a celebrity arriving on the red carpet.  Today, he stood poised in the doorway of his classroom while he announced “Hey everybody!  I’m here….so, um, what’s going on in here?”  Thank God there were no paparazzi in the immediate area.  Surely they would have noticed Cooper Jones’ arrival and swarmed us in a frenzied mob, right?

I think by now everyone has also heard of the big “going to bed fiasco” of last week while I was away at my Thursday night class.  D.Jones had been tested by Cooper at every angle, as he jerked his legs away while Doug tried to get pjs on the boy.  He wrestled away from the teeth brushing routine, and also caught D.Jones with a swift kick to the side while he was attempting to get him in to his bed.  Doug had finally had enough and leaned over Cooper as he tried to look as angry as possible and said “You listen.  I’m the boss around here and when I tell you to do something, you do it!”

Cooper was not phased, though, and grinned at Doug as he said “Okay Daddy.  Sure.  You can be the boss.  But I’m the chief.”