"I don't like you Mummy".
I know, I know, kids do this all the time - she's only 2, and she's just rebelling against the feeling of powerlessness she feels when I tell her she has to do something she doesn't want to.
But Oh. My. Lord. I was not prepared for how much that hurt. Tears immediately pricked at my eyes and I gaped at her. My loving little girl, who usually wraps her arms around me tight and whispers, "Guess what? I LUB you!" had just uttered her first negative opinion of Mummy.
Until now, I was loved beyond reason, preferred over all others, brave, strong, wise and beautiful (yes, I asked). Now... notsomuch.
I was unsure how to proceed, I didn't want to make a big production out of it, but I did want her to know that words can have an effect on people.
"GG, it's okay to feel cranky sometimes, but when you say that, you hurt my feelings."
"You got a sore feelings? Where your feelings?"
"No, I mean what you said made me sad."
"You sad now?"
"Well, yeah, I am actually."
"Oh, you wanna cuddle?"
"Yes please."
"
I sowwy Mama", she whispered as she gave me a cuddle.
She soon returned to her usual sunny self and we had a great day together. Then at dinner after GG had finished and was playing in the next room - I was telling my husband about this, in a very light manner (making fun of myself for getting upset). Obviously I was overheard, as she decided to toy with my emotions again. She appeared at my side (
hmm.. where does she get that sneaky gene from?) and told me again, "I don't like you Mummy". This time delivered with a huge grin. Maybe she thought because she heard me talking about it and laughing, that it was going to be a new game between us. Uh, no thanks. I gave her a deadpan look and got up and walked away.
I hear my husband tell her, "Uh oh, that's not a very nice thing to say, what do you say to Mummy?"
"Mummy?", she calls out.
"Yes, GG?"
"Guess what?"
"What?"
"I LUB YOU!!!!!!!!"
