So we were outside playing, and the timer goes off to come in for naps (yes this timer thing totally works with my kids, saves us from many tantrums).
I ask Abby and Max to help me put the bikes and scooters away, and with little grumbles about having to go in for stupid naps, they do obey.
I grab a handful of toys and follow them to the back porch. I plop them down and tell them
"I will bring the toys back here, and you guys put them on the porch" Max gets to work without a word, and I turn away and from the corner of my eye Abby's shoulders slumping, head tilting back and a big eye roll happening, she says "We're not your slaves you know..."
I'd say this took me by total surprise, except she's said this once before to Adam. He handled the situation explaining that it was disrespectful to talk to us that way and we are a family, and we are helping each other out...not raising slaves. After that hearty talk, I'd figured this whole "slave" thing had ended.
I take a deep breath and as I am picking up the last of the toys to take back to her, I think hard about what to say. My first thought is "where did she learn this from?" So I asked her, and this is the (very unexpected) response I got :
Me : "Where did you learn about slaves?"
Abby: *Shrugs*
Me: "Well you had to learn it somewhere." (thinking 'what show do I need to ban her from for a while?') "What does it mean to be a slave?"
Abby: "Someone who does all the hard work"
Me: "okay, but really, you had to learn that from someone or something, because Daddy and I haven't talked to you about slaves..."
Abby: (after a minute of brain storming) "The bible"
Me: (okaaay...yeah right) "The Bible? Where in the bible? Can you show me?"
Abby: *sighs* and grabbing her bible, "You know. Where the king of Egypt...what's his name again?"
Me: "Pharo"
Abby: "Right, Pharo, well he stole all the Israelites and made them do all that hard work..you know made them slaves" and she turns to the story of Moses...
At that point, I didn't know what to say. BIG props for knowing your bible stories kiddo! and....HEY! I don't treat you that way! Who do you think you are using that knowledge to sass me?....oy.
We talked about (reiterating what Daddy said) being family and helping each other out. And when I ask her to do something, I am not treating her like a slave, I am asking her to be a helper, and when she talks that way, and talks back like that, it is very disrespectful. It was a tough conversation on my part, because frankly, I felt like I got served a little bit, but I think the end result was good.
She's so smart, and figuring out how to apply what she's learning...it's just amazing. And by the way, that is a story that she's read all on her own. We haven't read it (in a very long time) together and it is not a story they have been covering in church currently or recently...So yes, she put all of this together on her own.
I feel totally blessed to have such a smart girl and one that reads her bible on her own like that, seeking knowledge in the Word. While my heart is overflowing with love (and lets face it...pride) for my little smarty butt girl, I am also learning, as a parent, of those opportunities that require me to step up and show her some guidance in her soaking up these stories like the little sponge she is. I am reminded that it's still my job to teach her when and where it is apporpriate to apply what she's learning, and about still being kind and respectful in her words and actions toward her loved ones.
Today's little encounter was certainly a lesson packed one all around.
