Ethan has been milking that for all it's worth. Anytime I take him by the arm and lead him somewhere he doesn't want to go, I hurt him. And it hurts terribly. He cries and cries. I feel like I have to give him the benefit of the doubt. I say, "I'm sorry if I hurt you," but I know I couldn't have. Now, every time it's time to change his diaper, he's hurt.
I do what I can to hold back the laughter.
He's The Boy Who Cried Ouch.
Time to brush your teeth--"I got hurt! Owie! Ouch! Ouch!"
Time to go back inside--"OUCH! MY BACK! YOU HURT MY BACK!!" And he's a good actor. You'd think he's seen a million back injuries. He throws his head back, bends his elbow and holds his little back like an old man. His face looks like he needs to go to the hospital.
The first time he hurt his back by the invisible force, I was alarmed. But it turned out to be another "wolf" story. The second time, I had to laugh. It was just too funny. I think he may be ready to read The Boy Who Cried Wolf. I might have to read it again first.... I can't remember if the boy gets gobbled up by the wolf or if it's just the sheep. I'd hate to put that kind of story into such a creative and dramatic little mind.
"Are you sure your back hurts? Or are your feelings just hurt?"
He stopped and cut his eyes to the side, considering this possibility. "Are your feelings hurt?"
"Yeah." Oh, my heart. What a sweet little, smart little boy.
"Oh, well, I am very sorry that your feelings are hurt. Sometimes we have to do things we don't want to do. Mommy's feelings get hurt sometimes too. It's okay. I love you...."
He's been working on naming that feeling.
"I'm upset."
"I'm sad."
"I'm very mad!"
That's okay, baby. You can be very mad or sad or upset. It makes your mommy proud that you can give words to your emotions and ride them out like a little man should.
Love this story. It's something Ethan can read about when he's older and laugh at himself.
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