No. (Part 2)
Maya’s hungry for a snack. It’s obvious to me; I’ve learned the signs. I chop up an apple into wedges and offer one to Miss Thang.
No.
She brushes my offering hand away with emphasis.
Okay. You don’t have to eat it.
I take a bite and start to walk away. Maya melts into a puddle of tears and tantrum on the floor. I sit on the floor and hold my arms out to give her a hug and some comfort. Instead, she reaches for the apple slice and starts to eat.
Would this be the opposite of “be careful what you wish for?” At least she’s learning two things:
- I’ll listen to her when she tells me no.
- She’s allowed to change her mind later.
