How lovely---it is worth it, and we do these things don't we, like sit in traffic for fireworks or walk a zoo on a 100 degree day.

I think it's these things they'll remember.

Also, finally am reading backwards. Sorry your course got canceled but hopefully you'll do all the recharging you mention instead. And it's tough, the missing Mom or Dad. But you seem to handle it so well, keeping her feelings in mind. I think life is never perfect, but what a wonderful thing to be shown an example of how to handle the less than ideal. I am not blowing sunshine up the rear here either. I really really mean that.

And ah yes, mother to the perfectionist empath who is eager to please. That is my oldest. We've had good success with the repeated lessons about "learning child" and displaying our own need to learn, even as adults. We've had more good results, telling her we understand she's going above and beyond to Be Good and we appreciate it, but it is also okay to take a break---we can handle it. And so on. Yesterday she had a meltdown because she went to get a popsicle, came back with a red, which I mistakenly assumed was the last red one and promised to her sister after her nap. "Oh dear," I said relatively calmly, "Is that the last red?" "Yes," she said, "I think so." "Oh dear, it was for your sister, remember? We'll have to think of something to do." She lost it: she messed up, she'd cause me a problem, her sister would be sad and mad, etc. In general, though, she's pretty good about remembering messing up is part of life and the key is to figure out how to resolve it as best as possible.

I enjoy the good behavior so often, especially as it is a polar opposite to her sister, the tantrummer who fits the description you used.

So I also wonder and blame and so forth myself.

I think you're right and it's just a personality.

I do my best to help her figure out how to regain that comfort she needs from order and good even when things are awry. It's a good skill if you can get it, LOL at me (as I struggle with the same for the same reason).

What a wonderful way to spend the day! (Or at least the last part of it!)

i'm not a huge lover of fireworks, but i am looking forward to the day (night, i suppose) O is old enough to stay up and see them for the first time. because the wonder you describe here is beautiful.

she's a cool kid, i think, your kid.

Aw, I wish Little Man stayed up late enough (who am I kidding? Really? No I don't) to see them.... Glad it went so well for you!

I love fireworks, and I love watching them with kids. My daughter (8) was a little critical of the fireworks for the first time this year (not enough of a grand finale at the end). Oh, the early traces of adolescent cynicism. I much prefer the wide-eyed awe.

Beautiful. Just beautiful Andrea... what a wonderful description of what its like to be on the other side. Having only had the experience of being a "watcher of fireworks" -the excitement, waiting for the finale show-off part at the end. I can "see" F with the lights reflecting off her awestruck face. :)Thanks.