Give my kid a coloring book and a brand new box of Crayolas and… nothing. Girlfriend does not like to color paper.
Give her a mirror and a brand new box of facepaints and… hello, Sweet Cheeks! (Papa calls her “Sweet Cheeks.”) Livia is all about physical art. She’ll pass on the 2-D, but anything with a bit of texture under her fingers excites her.
Part of the challenge of parenting—and I think this is universal—is figuring out your child’s unique, God-given personality. What makes her tick? What excites her, frustrates her, encourages her, pleases her? I could sit and color for hours on end, even as an adult, but when I press my child to do it, it’s a challenging endeavor for both of us. I want Livia to glorify God in all things. I want her to be the very best Livia Tredway she can be. I want her to grow up knowing that I am proud of her, that I enjoy her, that I will stand behind her and encourage her—even if she’s pursuing activities that I have very little natural interest in.
For today, though, Liv is into face paint. And that’s something I can get into.
6 Comments
Claudia Jan 18, 2010 5:03 PM
Way to go, little one! the Nana
Lindsey Jan 18, 2010 5:19 PM
Today these words came out of my mouth to the two children I nanny:
“We are going to sit, we are going to read these two books, and we are going to enjoy it!”
Fortunately they were all curled up on the couch listening with rapt attention before I had even finished the first page. But I’m at the beginning of personality discovery process. Should be fun! And exhausting.
Jen Jan 18, 2010 7:36 PM
God gave me kids totally unlike me, too. It took me a while to quit trying to stuff my square pegs into my round holes. Now I am so glad they are different from me. I learn much from them, and enjoy the different facets of personality God has given them. Thanks, Lord, for not giving me four Jens. Eeeek!
Sarah B. Jan 18, 2010 8:42 PM
“that’s something I can get into.” So where’s the pic of Rebecca covered in face paint? ;)
Love you, friend!
anna Jan 19, 2010 10:43 AM
this is so sweet. love your little family
andrew lawton Jan 19, 2010 8:19 PM
I agree with our Missourian friend. Where’s the picture of Rebecca covered in face paint? I guarantee that the picture exists.