Some Friday Cuteness

Just a few adorable stories and moments to share today.   I don't want to forget these when they are older. 

We are working on brotherly/sisterly love around here.  They have been aware of each other for awhile, entertained by each other for quite awhile, but now we are working on "this is another person who has wants and needs and feelings".  You know, empathy.  It is always tough for a 20 month old to get this concept.  Maggie in particular has a very hard time waiting for me to do anything with Ben when she wants something. 

But they are getting it.  We have seen some spontaneous hugs and kisses (aw!), and little acts of caring.  Some examples.  I will get milk for both of them, one of them will pick up the two cups from me, and deliver it to the other one before taking a drink of their own milk.  They will pick up the other ones lovey if they find it, and bring it to their sibling.  They are (kind of reluctantly) sharing.  Maggie likes to take things to Ben and then say "Thank You, Welcome!" no matter if he wanted it or not.  They take turns on the slide.  Maggie has started worrying about Ben doing things he is not supposed to and trying to "help" me show him.  This morning it was trying to herd him towards the stairs when he was hiding while I was trying to get them both to the stairs.  Pretty funny to see.  There may have been a little pushing involved, but it didn't bother him, so I didn't acknowledge that part. 

Probably the best act of caring I have seen recently was the other morning when Maggie was having a rough day.  Lots of crying and tantrums.  They were upstairs with me, and while she was getting her diaper (after a brief timeout) she was crying for Kee.  We had left him downstairs and I was trying to tell her we would get him in a minute when we went downstairs.  In the meantime, without me realizing it (bad supervision on my part) Ben went downstairs, found both of her monkeys and brought them back up to give to her.   He didn't get distracted by toys or bring any of his own stuff upstairs with him, he was just doing something for Maggie.  I could have cried.  Then I felt a little guilty about the fact that I didn't realize he went down AND up the stairs without me, but I got over it. 

Sweet.  Loving.  There are lots of things I want for my kids, but I want them to grow up with a sense of kindness and compassion for others.  I want them to see when someone is hurting and want to help.  I know there is a big movement going on now in anti-bullying campaigns about empowering the bystanders.  Teaching kids that if you see someone being bullied, it is your responsibility to try to help.  Tell someone.  Step in and make the victim feel better.  Don't allow others to single someone out for being different.  I don't know if it is pregnancy or just motherhood that makes me so emotional about this topic.  I hope that my kids are never the bully or the bullied, but I also hope that they can be part of the change to stop it in others.

I guess it's never too early to start teaching empathy, and it's nice that they have each other to practice all their skills on.  I know my days of bitter battles are coming, and I hope that we can continue seeing these sweet moments.